Punjab assembly introduces riot management bill

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly has been presented with a bill aimed at regulating and managing violent protests through a structured riot management.

According to the bill, the District Deputy Commissioner (DC) will be responsible for declaring an area an “illegal riot zone” and will formally inform the district police chief.

Once declared, the area can be cordoned off, and protest management will be handled by Incident Commanders from the Riot Management Unit.

As per details, The bill states that the Incident Commander will be an officer of at least Station House Officer (SHO) rank. Riot Management Officers will be granted legal protection, and no legal action can be initiated against them while performing their duties.

Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of participating in violent protests will be required to compensate for damages.

The trial court, with assistance from the Home Department, will determine the extent of losses, including damage to public and private property, injury to individuals, and loss of human life. Decisions of the trial court may be challenged before a two-member bench of the High Court.

Government sources said that officers from the Riot Management Force will be posted to the Riot Management Unit.

The bill has been referred to the relevant committee for two months and will be presented again in the Punjab Assembly for approval after review. Final approval of the bill will be granted by the Governor of Punjab.