March 12, 2026
By Kaleem Ullah
LAHORE
The government of Punjab has introduced a new law aimed at regulating protests, rallies, and other public gatherings by establishing “high security zones” and designated areas across the province. The proposed legislation, titled The Punjab High Security Zones (Establishment) Bill 2026, was presented in the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab to strengthen security measures and manage public demonstrations.
The bill seeks to create a legal framework allowing the provincial government to declare certain locations as high security zones, where all forms of public gatherings — including protests, rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations — will be strictly prohibited. The legislation also introduces the concept of designated areas, where such gatherings may take place only with prior permission from the district administration.
According to the draft law, the provincial Home Department will have the authority to declare high security zones through official notifications. These decisions will be based on recommendations made by newly formed Provincial and District Intelligence Committees. The Provincial Intelligence Committee will be headed by the Secretary of the Home Department, while each district will have a District Intelligence Committee led by the Deputy Commissioner.
Under the proposed law, once an area is declared a high security zone, no individual, group, political party, union, or association will be allowed to organize or participate in any public gathering there. Authorities argue that such measures are necessary to protect sensitive locations, key installations, and public infrastructure from potential security threats.
At the same time, the bill provides for designated areas where public demonstrations may be permitted under strict conditions. Anyone wishing to hold a protest or rally in these areas must submit a written application to the Deputy Commissioner at least 20 days in advance. The Deputy Commissioner will then have five days to decide whether to approve or reject the request, or refer the matter to the District Intelligence Committee for further review.
If an application is rejected, the organizer will have the right to file an appeal before the Divisional Commissioner within two days. The Divisional Commissioner must decide the appeal within five days after hearing both the applicant and the district administration. A further revision petition may also be filed before the Secretary of the Home Department within three days of the Divisional Commissioner’s decision.
The bill also grants expanded powers to law enforcement agencies to enforce the new regulations. Under the proposed law, district police authorities may authorize officers not below the rank of Sub-Inspector to seize equipment and materials used in unauthorized gatherings. This includes vehicles, stages, sound systems, chairs, banners, carpets, and other items suspected of being used in violation of the law.
Strict penalties have been proposed for violations. Anyone who organizes or participates in a public gathering inside a declared high security zone could face rigorous imprisonment ranging from one to three years along with a fine of up to Rs500,000. Holding a public gathering in a non-designated area could result in six months to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs300,000.
In cases where gatherings are held in designated areas without official permission, organizers may face fines of up to Rs100,000. Additionally, individuals responsible for damage to public or private property during demonstrations could be required to pay compensation equivalent to the loss caused.
The bill also states that offences under the proposed law will be cognizable and non-bailable, meaning police will have the authority to make arrests without a warrant and suspects will not automatically qualify for bail.
Courts will also have the power to confiscate equipment used in unlawful gatherings as part of the punishment. At the same time, the legislation provides legal protection to government officials and law enforcement personnel for actions taken in good faith under the law.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons attached to the bill, authorities believe that public gatherings in Punjab often cause serious disruption to traffic, inconvenience for residents, and losses to business activities. The government says the law aims to regulate demonstrations while ensuring the protection of participants, the public, and critical infrastructure.
However, the proposed legislation is likely to trigger debate among political parties and civil society groups, as it introduces stricter controls on public demonstrations and expands the authority of district administrations and security agencies to regulate protests across the province.