LAHORE (HRNW) – The Punjab government has decided to launch a massive crackdown against hooliganism, extortion, and gang activities, initiating preparations to introduce a strict new law to replace the outdated Goonda Act of 1959.
According to sources, habitual offenders will be declared as “Anti-Social Persons” under the proposed legislation, while District Intelligence Committees will be granted the authority to officially designate individuals as suspects.
The new law introduces significantly harsher penalties, under which initial offenses will carry a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years. For repeat offenders, the punishment is being increased to up to 7 years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to PKR 2 million.
To further empower law enforcement agencies, provisions allowing the freezing of bank accounts and blocking of National Identity Cards (CNICs) have been included. Additionally, the police will be granted advanced electronic monitoring and surveillance capabilities.
The proposed legislation also formally categorizes aerial firing, the display of weapons, land-grabbing (qabza mafia) activities, cybercrime, and harassment as punishable offenses.
The provincial cabinet has already approved the legislation, and it is expected to be presented soon before the Punjab Assembly, where it will be formally enacted upon receiving final approval.
According to authorities, the core objective of this law is to improve law and order within society and ensure effective, decisive action against professional criminal elements.
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