The Punjab government on Tuesday withdrew the controversial Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill, 2026 from the legislative process, ordering a comprehensive review after objections from lawmakers, civil society and the public. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that the proposed legislation be reconsidered clause by clause, with consultations to be held with all stakeholders before it is reintroduced in the Punjab Assembly.
Announcement in the Assembly
The announcement came during the Punjab Assembly session, where Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan informed the House that, in view of concerns raised over the draft law, including criticism on social media and by civil society, the chief minister had decided to halt its passage and send it back for further scrutiny. The Speaker said the bill would be returned to the Law Department, which would place it before the provincial cabinet for fresh deliberations. Following amendments and stakeholder consultations, the revised legislation would be presented to the Assembly again.
Criticism and Concerns
The proposed bill had drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who argued that several provisions could infringe upon fundamental rights and required stronger constitutional and legal safeguards. The assembly session, which began after a delay of more than two hours under Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, also passed several private members' resolutions and discussed a range of governance and public welfare issues.
Resolution on Water Crisis
The House unanimously adopted a resolution urging the federal government to formulate an immediate national strategy to address Pakistan's growing water crisis. The resolution noted that the country has water storage capacity for only about 90 days and called for the early construction of new dams and reservoirs, the creation of a high-level mechanism to build inter-provincial consensus on water projects, the adoption of modern irrigation systems, and a nationwide awareness campaign on water conservation.
Anti-Narcotics Resolution
Another resolution approved by the assembly called for a zero-tolerance policy against the sale, use and promotion of narcotics in educational institutions across Punjab. It recommended stricter law enforcement, anti-drug awareness campaigns, teacher training, counselling and rehabilitation facilities for affected students, and enhanced coordination among relevant departments.
Digital Assembly Initiative
The assembly also endorsed a resolution supporting the transformation of the Punjab Assembly into Pakistan's first fully digital and paperless legislature.
