Punjab Government

The Punjab government in Pakistan has directed high-alert flood preparations due to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, forcing reliance on 'less credible sources' like social media for river flow data. Authorities plan to clear the Ravi riverbed of temporary encroachments and emphasized vigilance despite officials stating current river flows are normal.

Punjab's government has digitally mapped health and demographic profiles of nearly 94.3 million citizens, with 85% coverage in 18 districts and plans to operationalize 16 cardiac cath labs by December. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a population management campaign and a new healthcare program linking citizens to primary healthcare centers.

The Punjab government reshuffled Rawalpindi's administration and police, replacing the commissioner, deputy commissioner, city police officer, and other officials. Key positions from commissioner to assistant commissioner were changed, marking the first time all major posts in the division were replaced simultaneously. The reason for the reshuffle remains unclear despite speculations about land use issues along the Rawalpindi Ring Road.

The Punjab government has proposed a bill to replace outdated laws against habitual offenders, introducing controversial clauses defining anti-social behavior through digital platforms. Critics argue the law reflects a 'hard state' approach, potentially bypassing judicial due process and enabling punitive administrative tribunals.

Lahore police registered a case against five suspects for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two foreign women from the Netherlands and Venezuela. Four suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued within two hours, with a security guard remaining at large. The Punjab government and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz oversaw the operation, which involved the Punjab Safe City Authority.

Punjab's anti-sacrilege law amendments have caused tension with Akal Takht, as the changes were introduced without seeking the approval of Akal Takht, SGPC, or the broader Sikh community. The Sikh leadership has expressed displeasure over the lack of consultation on the matter.

Punjab's proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, grants executive powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and impose electronic surveillance based on intelligence committee assessments. Critics, including activists and former Citigroup executive Yousuf Nazar, argue the law undermines due process, resembles colonial-era practices, and concentrates authority in non-independent bodies.

The Punjab government has notified the VB-G RAM G scheme, marking a U-turn from a previous stance. In December 2025, the Bhagwant Mann government convened a special Punjab Assembly session that unanimously passed a resolution against the VB-G RAM G Act.

The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, which grants executive powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and impose surveillance based on intelligence assessments. The bill draws parallels to colonial-era laws like the 1871 Criminal Tribes Act and the 1918 Restriction of Habitual Offenders Act, which targeted communities and individuals without judicial process.

BJP Haryana chief accused Punjab CM Mann of a fake forensic report conspiracy, demanding his resignation. Ms. Gupta alleged the Punjab government and police tried to prove the video fake.

BJP president Nabin criticized the Punjab government over law and order, drugs, gangsterism, and youth migration during a three-day visit to the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.

Punjab's 2024 budget introduces PIVOT, a three-year economic strategy with Rs2 trillion in public and private investments aimed at boosting sectors like agriculture, industry, and technology to create 162,000 jobs and increase exports by $6.8 billion. Unlike previous budgets, PIVOT focuses on capturing economic value through targeted industrial financing and private-sector collaboration.

The Lahore High Court restrained the Punjab government from taking further action regarding Ewing Hall, a property of Forman Christian College University, following a dispute over lease cancellation. The court suspended the Board of Revenue's decision to terminate the lease and ordered the government to submit a detailed report, while FCCU alleged the government's repossession was illegal.

Punjab's 2026-27 budget of Rs5.903 trillion projects a Rs910bn surplus, with a 7% salary raise for government employees and 3.5% pension increase. The budget allocates Rs750bn to education and Rs500.82bn to health, while targeting Rs1.21tr in provincial revenue. Development spending is reduced by 40% to Rs752bn, and the Punjab Revenue Authority faces a 55.4% higher collection target.

The Punjab government has treated over 90,000 drug addiction victims through rehabilitation centres. Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted the role of teachers, parents, and communities as the first line of defence against drug addiction.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and Punjab government to respond to a plea regarding the failure to implement the 25% RTE quota in schools. The petitioner claims nearly two lakh children are admitted to private schools at the entry level, with at least 50,000 under the RTE Act, and the court has directed a survey in a district to assess compliance.

The Punjab government is expanding the Liquid Tree project, using microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide and improve urban air quality. The initiative, led by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, will install liquid trees in malls and public spaces, with the first EPA-certified unit moving from Faisalabad to Lahore. Additional measures include banning thin plastic bags and establishing green buffer zones around industrial areas.

The Punjab government plans to launch Lahore's first app-based electric motorbike rental service to address last-mile connectivity and air quality issues. The initiative will deploy 10,000 e-bikes and 300 docking stations, targeting reduced pollution and transportation costs for residents.

The Punjab Government will organize free camps to register construction workers for welfare schemes. The registration fee of ₹145 has been waived.

The Punjab government has ordered the drafting of a law to address arbitrary fee hikes by private schools. The initiative aims to regulate and prevent unjust increases in educational costs.