The Punjab government has initiated an electronic monitoring program to track repeat sex offenders using GPS-enabled ankle devices, starting with a pilot in Lahore.
According to the Crime Control Department (CCD), individuals convicted twice or more of rape or sodomy will be fitted with tamper-proof ankle bands that send hourly location updates to a central control center. Any attempt to remove or tamper with the devices will immediately alert authorities.
The pilot phase includes 30 devices deployed in Lahore, with plans to expand to 100 additional devices across the province. Removal of the trackers will only be considered after a sustained period of good behavior.
This program is part of a broader surveillance initiative approved by Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, which includes the procurement of 1,500 GPS trackers for monitoring suspects listed under the Fourth Schedule and repeat offenders under the supervision of the CCD, Counter Terrorism Department, and parole authorities.
In addition, the provincial government has drafted the Punjab Control of Goondas Act 2025, targeting habitual offenders involved in crimes such as extortion, cyber harassment, drug trafficking, gambling, impersonation, and weapon display.
Under the proposed law, District Intelligence Committees will have the authority to declare individuals as ‘Goondas’ based on law enforcement or intelligence reports. Those declared may face various restrictions, including digital surveillance, confiscation of data devices, freezing of bank accounts, community service, and travel bans.
The draft legislation also includes provisions for biometric data collection and technical monitoring to ensure compliance and prevent further criminal activity.