The Punjab government has prepared draft legislation aimed at curbing protests by declaring certain areas across the province as high-security zones where public gatherings will be strictly prohibited.
Under the proposed law, rallies, processions, and protests will be completely banned in designated high-security zones.
Any violation will be treated as a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment of one to three years, along with a fine that may extend to Rs500,000.
The draft law further stated that gatherings in officially designated areas will only be permitted with prior approval from the relevant deputy commissioner.
Organising an assembly without such permission will attract a fine of up to Rs100,000, the draft law proposed, adding that in non-designated areas, public gatherings will also be subject to penal action.
The legislation also proposed imprisonment ranging from six months to one year for unauthorised assemblies, along with fines of up to Rs300,000.
Additional penalties have been imposed for damage to public or private property during such gatherings (designated or non-designated).
In such cases, offenders will be required to pay a fine equivalent to the value of the damage caused, in addition to other punishments that will also be fixed accordingly.
The draft legislation declares all offences related to public assemblies as non-bailable.
It also grants police authorities the power to confiscate equipment used in violations, further strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
