Thalassemia, acid control, spatial planning laws come into effect

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Monday, gave his assent to several bills passed by the Punjab Assembly, which will now come into immediate effect across the province.

These include the Thalassemia Prevention Bill 2025, aimed at the early detection, prevention, and management of thalassemia and other genetic disorders to reduce their burden on the health care system; the Punjab Efficiency and Conservation Agency Bill 2025, which focuses on improving energy efficiency; and the Nexus University, Sialkot Bill 2025, establishing a new university in Sialkot.

The governor also approved the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Bill 2025, the Next Institute of Science and Technology Bill 2025, and the University of White Rock Bill 2025, each enabling the establishment of higher education and research institutions in Punjab.

Additionally, Governor Khan approved the Punjab Spatial Planning Authority Bill 2025, which will apply across the province unless the government issues a notification in the official gazette exempting specific areas.

He also gave assent to the Punjab Acid Control Bill 2025, aimed at regulating the sale and use of acid to prevent acid-related violence, and the Finance Amendment Bill 2025, which introduces changes to provincial financial regulations.

All the approved bills have now become law and are enforceable throughout Punjab.

Earlier, the governor reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, stating that international organisations have rejected India's "baseless propaganda."