Punjab Changes Bail Rules in Drug Cases

The Punjab government has amended drug-related laws, introducing tougher penalties and stricter bail provisions for narcotics offenders.

According to an ordinance issued by the provincial government, major changes have been made to bail clauses under drug control laws. Under the revised rules, suspects facing charges that carry life imprisonment will no longer be eligible for bail.

The ordinance specifies that courts must evaluate the nature of the case and require heavy surety bonds before granting bail in other offenses. Appeals against the decisions of special courts will now be heard by a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court, to be designated by the Chief Justice.

Officials said the new law will operate in parallel with the federal Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA) and aims to close procedural loopholes and delays in drug-related cases. The amendments are designed to make anti-narcotics enforcement more efficient and effective across Punjab.

The provincial law department confirmed that key changes have been made to Sections 38, 39, 40, 41, and 44, while some previous clauses have been repealed. The amendments introduce the term “special court” in Section 39 and tighten bail provisions. Section 40 has been revised to bring the appeal system under the supervision of a two-member High Court bench.

Furthermore, subsection (2) of Section 41 has been repealed, and the wording in Section 44 has been modified to make implementation mandatory. The department stated that these changes will accelerate the hearing and disposal of drug-related cases across the province.

As the provincial assembly was not in session, the Governor of Punjab approved the ordinance under Article 128 of the Constitution. The revised ordinance took effect immediately on September 20, 2025.

The Punjab Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department has already issued the official gazette notification for the amended ordinance.