Punjab Assembly panel moves to tighten rules on protests, rallies

New bill proposes jail terms, heavy fines for violations

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved a bill proposing strict penalties for holding public gatherings, protests and rallies without prior permission, marking a significant step toward regulating public assemblies across the province.

Officials said the High Security Zones Establishment Bill 2026 was approved during a meeting of the committee and will now be presented before the Punjab Assembly in its upcoming session for final approval.

The proposed legislation empowers the Punjab Home Department to declare sensitive locations across the province as high security zones, where all forms of public gatherings, including rallies, protests and demonstrations, will be completely prohibited.

Under the bill, the government will also designate specific locations where public meetings and gatherings may be held.

Any individual or group intending to organize a rally or public event will be required to obtain prior permission from the relevant deputy commissioner.

The legislation states that an application for holding a public gathering must be submitted at least 20 days in advance, while the deputy commissioner will be bound to approve or reject the request within five days.

In case of rejection, the applicant will have the right to file an appeal before the divisional commissioner.

The bill also proposes the establishment of provincial and district intelligence committees to monitor security situations and oversee the implementation of regulations related to public gatherings.

Strict penalties have been proposed for violations of the law.