Government to Take Strict Action Against Violent Protesters in Punjab

Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to take strict action against individuals involved in violent protests and property damage.

According to reports, the Punjab Assembly has introduced the Police Order (Second Amendment) Act 2025, which mandates penalties for violent protesters while also holding them responsible for compensating damages caused during such protests.

Under the proposed bill, a “Riot Management Unit” will be established to handle violent demonstrations. This unit will be overseen by an Additional IG-ranked officer and equipped with modern tools. Officers of the unit will receive specialized training to manage illegal protests effectively.

The bill also outlines that the District Commissioner (DC) will designate illegal protest zones, inform the district police chief, and allow the unit to cordon off these areas. The Incident Commander in the zone, a police officer of the rank of station in-charge, will manage the situation. Riot Management Unit officers will have legal protection while performing their duties.

Violent protesters deemed liable will also be required to compensate for damages, including harm to private or public property and human life. The trial court will assess the damages with the assistance of the Home Department, and its decisions can be challenged before a two-member bench of the High Court.

Government sources stated that the Riot Management Unit will be staffed with officers from the Riot Management Force. The bill has been referred to the relevant committee for two months before being presented for final approval in the Punjab Assembly, with the Governor of Punjab giving final consent.