The Punjab government has approved the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Ordinance 2026, aiming to curb theft, illegal sale, and vandalism of public utility infrastructure across the province. The ordinance covers items such as manhole covers, streetlights, and other government-owned installations, introducing strict prison terms and heavy fines for offenders.
The move was initiated by the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department, which oversees Water and Sanitation Agencies and development authorities, following a noticeable rise in theft and vandalism of public utilities. Authorities cited repeated incidents of missing manhole covers and damaged streetlights, which posed serious safety hazards to the public.
Under the new ordinance, theft of public utility installations can result in one to three years imprisonment and fines ranging from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 3 million. Similarly, the illegal removal, purchase, or sale of government installations without authorization carries one to three years in prison and fines between Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 3 million.
Causing damage to public infrastructure will now attract three months to one year in prison and fines of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 200,000. The law also targets scrap dealers and re-rolling plants involved in processing or purchasing stolen materials. Offenders in these cases can face up to three years imprisonment and fines of Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million, with repeat offenders facing up to six years imprisonment and fines between Rs. 300,000 and Rs. 10 million.
Authorities have also made it clear that if damage to public infrastructure leads to loss of life, relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code will apply in addition to penalties under the ordinance. Officials say the law is part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and protect essential infrastructure from theft and vandalism, which have long affected urban areas in Punjab.
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