Punjab government forms committee to substantially increase civilian compensation for terrorism and war casualties

LAHORE: The Punjab government, in a significant policy move, has constituted a high-level committee to amend existing laws and substantially enhance the financial compensation awarded to civilians killed or affected in incidents of terrorism or war. The newly established body, named the “Civilian Victim Compensation Committee”, aims to overhaul and expand the scope of the Punjab Civilian Victims of Terrorism (Relief and Rehabilitation) Act 2016, proposing substantial increases in compensation packages and extending eligibility to include civilians martyred during wartime, not just terrorist attacks.

The committee, to be headed by the Provincial Home Secretary, comprises senior representatives from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Punjab Police, Health and Education Departments, Rescue 1122, Deputy Commissioners, and District Police Officers. The committee is tasked with drafting comprehensive amendments to the current law to reflect the evolving security landscape and the need for enhanced civilian protection and support.

Under the existing law, the Punjab government provides up to Rs1 million in compensation to civilians martyred in terrorist incidents. However, in a marked policy shift, the proposed amendments would now also extend this financial support to civilians martyred during armed conflict, with recommendations under review to increase compensation up to Rs10 million in such cases. Sources indicate that this figure could rise further, subject to the committee’s final recommendations.

The committee will not replace the existing 2016 law but will work within its framework to introduce necessary amendments. As per the current policy, Rs1 million is awarded in the event of civilian death; Rs500,000 for serious injuries or loss of limbs; Rs100,000 for minor injuries; Rs500,000 for complete destruction of a house, and Rs100,000 for partial damage. Similarly, businesses that are entirely destroyed receive Rs500,000, while partial damages are compensated with Rs100,000. Damage to stock in shops is reimbursed at 25% of the loss.

Vehicle compensation includes Rs500,000 for severely damaged buses or trucks, Rs80,000 for minor damage, Rs200,000 for severely damaged cars or jeeps, Rs40,000 for minor damage, and Rs25,000 for motorcycles. In cases involving the death of livestock in terrorist incidents, the law compensates Rs100,000 for cattle such as cows, buffaloes, horses, and donkeys, and Rs20,000 for smaller animals like goats and sheep.