As Nawaz Sharif’s party continues its efforts to stay in the army’s good graces, a major political storm has erupted in Punjab province against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Her government’s introduction of the Punjab Goonda Control Bill 2025 has drawn sharp comparisons to colonial-era repression and triggered strong backlash from the opposition.
What Is the Goonda Bill 2025?
The bill seeks to significantly expand the powers of Punjab’s bureaucracy and security forces — a move critics argue would lead to the legalized suppression of dissent. If passed, it would allow officials sweeping authority, raising alarm bells over civil liberties.
Rowlatt Act Comparison Sparks Uproar
Opposition members likened the bill to the Rowlatt Act, the infamous British colonial law used to suppress Indian political movements. During a heated legislative session, Speaker Khan echoed these concerns, promising he would oppose any bill that tramples on public rights or bypasses democratic checks.
“This bill is a backdoor attempt to crush public dissent. We won’t let it pass under any circumstances,” declared one opposition MLA.
Maryam Faces Internal Revolt
The bill has not only drawn criticism from political rivals but has also sparked dissent within Punjab itself, raising serious questions about the legitimacy and public image of Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.
PTI Slams the Government
Prominent PTI leader Barrister Abuzar Salman Niazi blasted the bill on social media, accusing Maryam's administration of acting like an “imperialist occupier”. He claimed the government seeks to protect its illegitimate rule and treats Punjabis as subjects, not citizens.
“Maryam is being viewed not as a representative leader but as a ruler imposed on the people,” he said.
A Delicate Political Moment
This controversy comes at a time when the ruling party is already under pressure to maintain military backing. But the strong pushback on the Goonda Bill suggests that any move to centralize power under the guise of security may come at the cost of growing public resentment and intra-provincial instability.
