Punjab Assembly committee proposes stricter penalties for protest violations

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Law has advanced a new bill aimed at imposing stricter regulations on protests and rallies in the province, according to an official statement.

The proposed legislation seeks to introduce jail terms and substantial fines for individuals and groups found violating the new rules governing public demonstrations. The bill, which was discussed in detail by the committee, outlines specific penalties for those who fail to comply with the prescribed procedures for organizing protests and rallies.

According to the official statement, the bill recommends that violators could face imprisonment as well as heavy financial penalties. The committee emphasized that the objective of the proposed law is to maintain public order and ensure that demonstrations do not disrupt daily life or cause inconvenience to the public.

The committee's move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of unregulated protests on traffic, business activities, and public safety in Punjab's major cities. The proposed bill is expected to be presented before the full assembly for further debate and possible approval.

Details regarding the exact duration of jail terms and the amount of fines were not disclosed in the official statement. However, the committee underscored the need for a clear legal framework to manage public gatherings and prevent unauthorized demonstrations.

The development marks a significant step by the provincial legislature to address challenges associated with public protests. The committee stated that the new measures are intended to balance the right to peaceful assembly with the need to protect public interests.

The bill will undergo further scrutiny and discussion before it can become law. Lawmakers and civil society groups are expected to closely monitor the progress of the proposed legislation as it moves through the legislative process.