LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to introduce “The Punjab Control of Goondas Act 2025”, aiming to crack down on disorderly persons commonly known as goondas in the province. The Punjab Home Department has finalized a draft of the proposed legislation, which includes stringent measures such as the blocking of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and passports, and the freezing of bank accounts of individuals officially designated as goons. Under the act, District Intelligence Committees will be empowered to label individuals as goondas (hooligans) based on their involvement in crimes such as drug trafficking, extortion, cybercrime, harassment, and other forms of organized criminal activity. The law will also apply to those using forged documents or openly displaying weapons publicly. Those declared goondas will face a range of penalties, including seizure of digital devices, cancellation of firearms licenses, as well as inclusion of names on the no-fly list. Goons would also face imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years and fines of up to Rs1.5 million if they violate the District Intelligence Committee’s directives. News Agency
