Pakistan, June 25 -- The Punjab government has moved to strengthen its fight against crime by introducing a new law aimed at curbing hooliganism, extortion and other anti-social activities across the province. The proposed legislation, titled the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2026, has received approval from the Standing Committee on Home Affairs and is expected to replace the outdated Goonda Act of 1959.

The new bill introduces tougher penalties for individuals involved in criminal activities. Under the proposed framework, first-time offenders could face prison sentences ranging from three to five years, while repeat offenders may receive up to seven years in jail along with fines reaching Rs2 milli...