Repeat sex offenders face GPS monitoring

Express Tribune

25-05-2025

The user would have to enable GPS so the police may locate them. PHOTO: REUTERS
The Punjab government has announced a new initiative to electronically monitor habitual sex offenders through GPS-enabled ankle devices.
The system, introduced by the Crime Control Department (CCD), will initially be implemented for repeat offenders convicted in rape and sodomy cases, with plans to expand the programme to include individuals involved in other serious crimes.
According to CCD officials, offenders with two or more convictions will be fitted with tamper-proof electronic bands that send real-time location updates every hour to a central control room.
If an offender attempts to leave designated areas without permission or tampers with the device, authorities will be notified immediately.
"These electronic restraints will physically restrict offenders while allowing us to track their movements 24/7," a CCD spokesperson told The Express Tribune.
The first deployment of 30 devices is scheduled to take place in Lahore this week, with an additional 100 monitors to be distributed across the province in the coming phase.
The bands may only be removed after an offender has demonstrated consistent behavioural improvement over a monitored period.
This initiative is part of a broader electronic surveillance strategy approved by Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal.
The programme includes the procurement of 1,500 GPS trackers for suspects on the Fourth Schedule and repeat offenders under the supervision of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), CCD, and parole authorities.
A few days earlier, Secretary Mengal chaired a high-level meeting at his office where the import of more than 1,500 GPS monitoring bands was approved.
Habitual criminals
The provincial home department has also drafted 'The Punjab Control of Goondas Act, 2025' to curb the activities of habitual criminals, enhance public safety and deter anti-social behaviour.
The draft provides a legal framework for identifying, monitoring, and restraining elements that pose a threat to public order. It provides the legal definition of Goonda as "a person habitually involved in disorderly conduct, criminal activity, or anti-social behaviour that endangers peace or creates public nuisance".
The District Intelligence Committees (DICs) will be empowered to declare an individual a 'Goonda' on the basis of credible reports from police officers, assistant commissioners, intelligence agencies or written complaints.
The grounds for the declaration include involvement in drug trafficking, gambling, extortion, cybercrimes, harassment, organised criminal activity, use of forged documents, display of weapons, running a brothel, impersonation of public officials and other listed offences.
Upon the declaration, the DIC may impose various restrictions on the targeted individuals, including, requiring a bond for good behaviour in future, placement on no-fly list, blocking CNIC and passport, confiscation of digital devices and data and freezing of bank accounts.
The proposed requirements include community service and restriction upon visiting sensitive public places.
The law allows for technical surveillance, including digital monitoring and biometric data collection, to ensure compliance and detect criminal conduct.