Ghundas beware! Punjab drafts new law to crack down on gangsters

LAHORE: The Punjab home department has prepared a draft of the Punjab Control of Ghunda Act (Punjab Control of Gangsters Act), which clearly defines legal parameters for identifying and punishing criminals and anti-social elements. According to the draft law, a “gangster” is defined as any person involved in criminal activities or behavior that threatens public peace or causes harassment to citizens.

The district intelligence committee (DIC) will have the authority to declare someone a gangster based on reports from police, administration, or sensitive agencies.

Individuals engaged in drug trafficking, gambling, extortion, or harassment can be declared gangsters under the proposed law. Once designated, they may face severe restrictions, including being placed on a no-fly list, blocking of CNIC and passport, freezing of bank accounts, and cancellation of arms licenses.

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The draft law also proposes digital monitoring and biometric data collection of declared gangsters for surveillance. However, affected individuals can appeal the decision before divisional, provincial, or appellate committees. A tribunal headed by a retired district and sessions judge will hear such appeals.

Violations of DIC orders may result in imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to Rs1.5 million. Repeat offenders could face up to seven years in jail and fines of PKR two million.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen legal measures against organised crime and anti-social activities in the province.