May 8, 2026
By Aitzaz Ibrahim
LAHORE
The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed the Punjab High Security Zones (Establishment) Bill 2026, empowering the provincial government to declare certain areas as “high security zones” and regulate public gatherings across the province.
The bill was tabled in the assembly by Punjab Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and was approved through a majority vote as the treasury benches outnumbered the opposition members in the house. During the proceedings, opposition members opposed the law and raised objections over the powers being granted to the district administration and security authorities.
The opposition also moved an amendment to Clause 10 of the bill, proposing a reduction in the punishments and fines mentioned in the legislation. However, the amendment was rejected after voting in the assembly due to the treasury benches’ majority.
Opposition criticises bill
Speaking during the session, PTI lawmaker Ahsan Raza criticized the proposed legislation and questioned the need for such powers.
“What kind of emergency situation exists in Punjab that we are so fearful that any place can be declared a high security zone and the district administration can be given powers to declare any area a security risk,” he questioned. He objected to the bill saying that it would only end up in the registration of FIRs and the imposition of fines on citizens.
“Apart from this, the bill has no other purpose,” he exclaimed.
The proposed legislation aims to ‘regulate’ public gatherings, rallies, protests, sit-ins and demonstrations across Punjab. According to the statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill, the law is intended to ensure smooth traffic flow, protect business activities, safeguard public and private property and improve security arrangements around key installations in the province.
What’s in the bill?
Under the proposed law, the Punjab government will have the authority to declare any area as a “high security zone” on the recommendation of district and provincial intelligence committees.
The bill states that no public gathering will be allowed in areas declared as high security zones.
The government will also be able to notify specific “designated areas” where public gatherings may be held after obtaining prior permission from the district administration.
According to the bill, any person intending to organize a public gathering in a designated area will have to submit a written application to the deputy commissioner at least 20 days before the event.
The deputy commissioner will have the authority to approve or reject the request or refer the matter to the District Intelligence Committee.
The legislation also provides for the formation of Provincial and District Intelligence Committees to oversee recommendations regarding high security zones and designated areas.
Under Clause 10 of the bill, any person who holds, participates in, facilitates or attempts to organize a public gathering in a high security zone may face rigorous imprisonment ranging from one to three years along with a fine of up to Rs500,000.
The bill further states that holding gatherings in non-designated areas may result in imprisonment from six months to one year and a fine of up to Rs300,000.
Organizing a gathering in a designated area without official permission may lead to a fine of up to Rs100,000.
The proposed law also grants police powers to seize vehicles, sound systems, banners, stages and other equipment allegedly used in violation of the act.
According to the bill, offences under the proposed law will be cognizable and non-bailable.
Once the Punjab governor assents to the bill it will become law.