The finalisation of Punjab Control of Goonda Act 2025 by the Punjab Home Department marks a significant step to-ward strengthening legal framework for addressing habitual criminal behaviour.
It represents a measured and proactive approach to law enforcement and promoting public safety.
By targeting repeat offenders involved in organised and disruptive crimes, the Act aims to prevent future threats rather than merely react to them.
This forward-looking legislation demonstrates provincial government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order through legal and preventive means.
The draft law empowers the District Intelligence Committee to designate individuals as “Goondas” — a legal classification for those repeatedly involved in specific criminal offences.
These include drug trafficking, gambling, extortion, cybercrime, harassment, use of forged documents, impersonation of officials and public display of weapons on social media.
What sets this legislation apart is the comprehensive set of deterrents it proposes.
Once declared a Goonda, an individual could face placement on the No-Fly List, blocking of their CNIC and passport, freezing of bank accounts and seizure of digital devices.
Additionally, measures like cancellation of arms licenses, restriction from sensitive public locations, and requirements for community service or surety bonds reflect a policy shift toward preventive accountability.
The Act also authorises technical surveillance, including digital monitoring and biometric data collection, to keep a close watch on habitual offenders.
Violations of directives from the District Intelligence Committee could lead to three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs1.5 million.
Repeat violations may result in up to seven years in jail and fines of Rs2 million.
If implemented with fairness and transparency, the Goonda Act 2025 can serve as a strong legal tool to curb offences and protect community well-being.
Its strength lies not in reactionary policing but in its preventive design, aimed at ensuring individuals do not continue down a path of criminal behaviour.
In our view this initiative by Punjab should serve as a template for other provincial governments, who may also consider enacting similar laws.
By harmonising legal measures across provinces, we can further solidify our commitment to rule of law and proactive governance.
