Mobile phone theft may soon face tougher action as Pakistan considers strict penalties under the proposed Pakistan mobile snatching law, which aims to make the offence non-bailable and non-compoundable across the country.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control discussed the Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2025, with Chairman Khurram Shahzad Nawaz overseeing deliberations focused on reducing rising street crime nationwide.
The bill was introduced by MNA Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan, who explained that current laws only define theft and lack clear language on mobile snatching.
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He argued that this loophole helps repeat offenders secure bail easily.
Hassan said the amendment proposes adding a new Section 382A to the Pakistan Penal Code 1860, which would formally define snatching and street crime to prevent criminals from exploiting unclear legal boundaries.
Under the amendment, intimidating, threatening, or coercing a person into surrendering movable property, including mobile phones or jewellery, would be classified as snatching, ensuring courts treat these acts with greater seriousness.
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The bill recommends punishment of up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine, similar to the existing penalty defined under Section 382 for theft involving preparation to cause hurt or death during the incident.
It also proposes changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, allowing cases involving the new offence to be tried in a special court when committed in public using a firearm or similar weapon.
If Section 382A is approved, the new offence would become non-bailable and non-compoundable, enabling police to arrest suspects without obtaining a warrant, strengthening enforcement measures significantly.
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Hassan informed the committee that the draft has already been sent to all provincial and regional home departments, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
All regional authorities, including those in AJK and GB, have supported the proposal, showing strong agreement across administrative levels to tighten punishment for mobile snatching countrywide.
