Habitual offenders, anti-social behaviour bill: Proposed law will turn Punjab into an open jail: rights activists

Human rights defenders and activists in Pakistan have voiced strong opposition to the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026. Gathering at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, they expressed fears that the proposed legislation could transform the entire province of Punjab into an "open jail." The activists argue the bill's objectives extend beyond controlling habitual offenders to potentially stifling dissent and free speech.

Lawyer Asad Jamal highlighted concerns that the bill aims to punish individuals for statements against security forces and for perceived defamation, issues he believes were inadequately addressed by existing bodies like the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). He stated that the NCTC had limitations, prompting proponents of the bill to seek the establishment of a "parallel institution" within Punjab.

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The objective of the Bill is to stop any statements against the security forces, followed by a hierarchy of sensitivity.

Jamal further explained that the Crime Control Department (CCD) also has its own limitations, suggesting that the new bill seeks to bypass these by creating a new, potentially more restrictive, enforcement mechanism. The activists believe this move represents a significant overreach of state power and poses a threat to fundamental rights and freedoms within the province.

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Now they want to establish a parallel institution in Punjab and they are moving towards it.