LAHORE: The Punjab government has formally notified the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Act 2026, which has been brought into force immediately across the province. The legislation aims to prevent theft, unauthorised removal, damage and misuse of public utilities infrastructure, while establishing an enforcement and regulatory mechanism alongside punitive provisions for violations.
Under the law, “public utilities infrastructure” includes manhole covers, streetlights, protective fencing and any other item or structure notified by the provincial government. The Act defines key terms such as “theft,” “unauthorised removal,” “scrap dealer,” “re-rolling,” and introduces the concept of a “whistle blower,” who may report offences and become eligible for rewards under prescribed rules.
The legislation prescribes imprisonment of up to three years and fines ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs3 million for theft of public utilities infrastructure. Unauthorised removal, possession, transport, sale or purchase carries similar custodial punishment and fines extending up to Rs3 million, with a higher minimum fine threshold of Rs500,000. Wilful damage is punishable with imprisonment of six months to one year and fines between Rs50,000 and Rs200,000.
A stricter compliance regime has been imposed on scrap dealers and re-rolling plant owners, who are barred from dealing in public utilities infrastructure unless it has been “deformed”.
