LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has brought into force the Punjab Control of Narcotic Substances Act 2025 from August 5, 2025, replacing the federal Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997 within the province. The law was passed by the Punjab Assembly on July 28, 2025, received the Governor’s assent on August 5, and was published the same day in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary).
One of the most significant features of the new Act is its retrospective application. This means that all narcotics related cases in Punjab, whether under investigation or pending trial under the 1997 law, will now be treated as if they were initiated under the 2025 Act. The provincial government has stated that this approach will unify the legal framework, modernize enforcement provisions, and strengthen the prosecution of drug related offences.
Legal experts have noted that the retrospective clause is unusual in criminal legislation and could have far reaching implications for ongoing trials, sentencing, and procedural rules. The government maintains that the move is intended to ensure consistency in the handling of narcotics cases and to provide a stronger legal basis for combating drug trafficking and abuse across Punjab.