The Punjab government has approved the “Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Ordinance 2026” to curb the theft, damage and illegal trade of manhole covers, street lights and other public installations.
Under the new law, theft of government infrastructure will be punishable by one to three years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs3 million.
Individuals involved in removing installations without authorisation or engaging in their illegal sale and purchase may also face one to three years in jail along with fines between Rs500,000 and Rs3 million.
Damaging public property will carry a penalty of three months to one year in prison and fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs200,000.
The ordinance also introduces strict penalties for scrap dealers and re-rolling plants. Dealers found involved in the purchase or sale of stolen public infrastructure may face up to three years’ imprisonment and fines between Rs1 million and Rs10 million. In the event of a repeat offence, imprisonment may extend to six years and fines up to Rs10 million.
If loss of life occurs due to such negligence — for example, because of uncovered manholes — relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, including those relating to culpable homicide or attempted murder, may be invoked.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Housing Department, the legislation was introduced on the directions of the Chief Minister to crack down on gangs involved in stealing manhole covers and other public utilities. The spokesperson emphasised that those damaging public property would receive no leniency and that action would be taken without discrimination.
