New Ordinance to Protect Public Utility Infrastructure
The Punjab government has approved a new legal framework to protect public infrastructure from theft and vandalism, after repeated incidents left roads and neighbourhoods exposed to serious safety risks. The Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Ordinance 2026 introduces strict penalties for anyone involved in stealing, damaging or illegally trading key public assets such as manhole covers and streetlights.
The initiative was put forward by the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department, which oversees Water and Sanitation Agencies as well as development authorities across the province. Officials say the ordinance is a direct response to rising cases of tampering with sewerage, water supply and lighting infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.
Incidents of missing manhole covers in particular have raised alarm in recent years. Open manholes on busy roads and residential streets have led to accidents, vehicle damage and, in some cases, serious injuries. Authorities argue that stronger laws were urgently needed to deter this type of theft and to hold not only street-level offenders but also buyers and middlemen to account.
Prison Terms and Fines for Theft, Damage and Illegal Trade
Under the new ordinance, theft of public utility installations now carries a clear and significant punishment. Individuals found guilty of stealing manhole covers, streetlight poles, water supply fixtures or similar public assets can face imprisonment ranging from one to three years. In addition, courts may impose fines between Rs 200,000 and Rs 3 million, depending on the severity and scale of the offence.
The law also covers cases where people remove, purchase or sell government installations without any official authorization. Such acts, whether done for scrap value or resale, will be treated as criminal violations. Offenders in these categories face one to three years in prison and fines starting from Rs 500,000 up to Rs 3 million.
Causing physical damage to public infrastructure, even if it does not involve outright theft, has been brought under the ordinance as well. Those who damage manhole covers, streetlights, pipelines or other installations may be sentenced to between three months and one year in prison, along with fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 200,000.
Crackdown on Scrap Dealers and Re-Rolling Plants
Recognising that stolen public materials often end up in scrap yards or industrial facilities, the ordinance places special focus on scrap dealers and re-rolling plants. These businesses are frequently accused of buying manhole covers, streetlight components and other metal items that have been removed from public spaces.
Under the new law, scrap dealers and re-rolling plant operators who knowingly purchase, process or trade stolen public utility materials can face imprisonment of up to three years. Fines for such offences range from Rs 1 million to Rs 10 million, reflecting the government’s intention to make participation in this illegal supply chain extremely costly.
For repeat offenders, the penalties become even harsher. Those convicted more than once under these provisions may receive prison terms ranging from three to six years, along with fines between Rs 300,000 and Rs 10 million. Officials hope that these tougher measures will discourage businesses from turning a blind eye to the origins of the scrap they buy.
Public Safety, Accountability and Legal Consequences
Beyond property loss and financial damage, the government has highlighted the serious public safety risks linked to the theft and vandalism of utility infrastructure. An open manhole or a missing streetlight does not only inconvenience citizens; it can lead directly to accidents, falls and fatal incidents, especially at night or during heavy rain.
The ordinance therefore makes it clear that when damage to public infrastructure results in loss of life, authorities will apply relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code in addition to penalties under the new law. This means that offenders could face charges related to manslaughter or other serious crimes if their actions contribute to a fatal incident.
Officials say that by combining targeted fines, jail terms and broader criminal liability, the Punjab government is sending a strong message that public assets are not free for the taking. Citizens are being urged to report missing manhole covers, broken streetlights or suspicious scrap activity so that law enforcement can act quickly.
Urban planners and safety advocates have welcomed the ordinance as a necessary step to protect critical infrastructure and reduce avoidable accidents. The real test, they say, will lie in consistent enforcement on the ground and in the willingness of authorities to hold powerful buyers and networks to the same standard as individual thieves.
