PA amends Police Order to legalise riot force

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly has amended the Police Order, 2002 to provide formal legal cover to a specialised Riot Management Police (RMP) and introduce stricter punishments for violent and unlawful public disorder.

The Police Order (Second Amendment) Act, 2025, which received assent from the Governor of Punjab earlier this week, declares acts of violence by unlawful assemblies as cognisable and non-bailable offences.

Under the amended law, offenders may face up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to Rs500,000.

A major feature of the amendment is the statutory recognition of the RMP as a specialised unit within Punjab Police, mandated to respond to riots, violent protests and mob violence. Officials said the unit will be equipped with modern protective gear and receive advanced training to strengthen law enforcement's operational capacity.

The law also introduces the concept of "riot zones," to be declared by the deputy commissioner and district police officer, allowing authorities to cordon off affected areas and operate under designated incident commanders. Police personnel acting in good faith within such zones will be provided legal protection.

Cases related to riots and violent protests will now be tried in sessions courts to expedite proceedings.

Punjab Police said the amendments aim to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to prevent violence and protect public property.