Punjab Assembly to return controversial bill for redrafting

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed a significant legislative retreat, ordering a complete reconsideration and redraft of the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2026. This decision follows stiff opposition to the proposed law, including dissent within the ruling party in the provincial assembly.

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The Assembly Secretariat will return the bill to the law department, which will then refer it to the provincial cabinet for necessary amendments. The bill will be entirely redesigned and represented to the Punjab Assembly for approval.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan announced that the Assembly Secretariat will return the bill to the law department. It will then be referred to the provincial cabinet for necessary amendments. The bill is slated for a complete redesign and will be represented to the Punjab Assembly for approval. Speaker Khan noted the government's intention to refine the law to address public and human rights concerns, acknowledging opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmed's formal written objections and discussions within the standing committee.

The legislative session was not without heated moments. Opposition lawmaker Rana Shahbaz protested alleged medical negligence at a local hospital, claiming a gunshot victim died due to delayed aid. Minority member Phelbus Christopher also raised concerns about the district administration's takeover of a college hostel, which the Education Minister clarified was for renovation.

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while legislation regarding anti-social behaviour exists in the UK, the Punjab government wants to refine the law to address public and human rights concerns.

In addition to the controversial bill, the assembly unanimously passed three key resolutions. These included addressing water scarcity by urging dam construction and modern water management, launching a zero-tolerance anti-drug campaign in educational institutions, and celebrating the Punjab Assembly's transition into the country's first fully digital, paperless legislature. This digital transformation, under CM Maryam Nawaz's vision, has already resulted in significant savings by eliminating printed documents.

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Pakistan only has a 90-day water storage capacity, threatening water, food, and economic security.