PUNJAB GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1956

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THE PUNJAB GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1956 
(VI of 1956) 
CONTENTS 
1. Short title and commencement. 
2. Definitions. 
General rules for construction 
3. Coming into operation of enactments. 
4. Effect of Repeal. 
5. Repeal of Act making textual amendment in Act. 
6. Revival of repealed enactments. 
7. Construction of reference to repealed enactments. 
8. Commencement and termination of time. 
9. Computation of time. 
10. Measurement of distance. 
11. Duty to be taken prorata in enactments. 
12. Gender and number. 
Powers and functionaries 
13. Power conferred to be exercisable from time to time. 
14. Power to appoint to include power to appoint ex-officio. 
15. Power to appoint to include power to suspend or dismiss. 
16. Substitution of functionaries. 
17. Successors. 
18. Official Chiefs and subordinates. 
Provisions as to orders, rules, etc., 
made under enactments 
19. Construction of orders to issue under enactments. 
20. Power to make to include, power to add to, amend, vary or rescind 
orders, rules or bye-laws. 
21. Making of rules or bye-laws and issuing of orders between passing and 
commencement of enactment. 
22. Provisions applicable to making of rules or bye-laws after previous 
publication. 
23. Continuation of appointment, notification, orders, etc., issued under 
enactments repealed and re-enacted. 
Miscellaneous 
24. Recovery of fines. 
25. Provision as to offences punishable under two or more enactments. 
26. Meaning of service by post. 
27. Citation of enactments. 
28. Application to Ordinances and Regulations. 
29. Repeal. 
 
 
 
 
 
TEXT 
1
THE 
2
[PUNJAB] GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1956 
(VI of 1956) 
[30 June 1956] 
An 
Act 
to facilitate the interpretations of 
3
[the Punjab] Acts and to shorten the language used 
therein. 
Preamble.– WHEREAS it is expedient to shorten the language used in the Acts 
passed by 
4
[the Provincial Legislature] and to make certai n provisions for the 
construction of, and other matters relating to such Acts and certain other Acts in 
force in 
5
[the Punjab]; 
It is hereby enacted as follows:– 
1. Short title and commencement .– (1) This Act may be called the 
6
[Punjab] 
General Clauses Act, 1956. 
 
7
[(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on and from the 14 th day of 
October, 1955.] 
 
8
[(3) It extends to the whole of the Province of 
9
[Punjab], except the Tribal 
Areas]. 
2. Definitions.– In this Act, and in all 
10
[the Punjab] Acts unless there is anything 
repugnant in the subject or context; 
(1) “abet” with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions shall 
have the same meaning as in the Pakistan Penal Code
11
; 
                                                           
1This Act was passed by the West Pakistan Assembly on  June 2, 1956; assented to by the Governor of the West Pakistan on  
June 30, 1956; and published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated June 30, 1956, pp. 553-566. 
2Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425 -A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 
(w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Ibid.  
4Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Legislature” by the Order ibid. 
5Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Order ibid. 
6Ibid. 
7Substituted by the West Pakistan General Clauses (Amendment) Act, 1957 (III of 1957), published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated February 28, 1957, pp. 345-346, s. 2. 
8Added by the West Pakistan Laws (Extension t o Karachi) Ordinance, 1964 (VII of 1964), published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated May 25, 1964, pp. 1679-1688, s. 2 read with Schedule, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
9Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Punjab Laws ( Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 
(w.e.f. 14.8.1973).  
10Ibid.  
11XLV of 1860. 
(2) “act” used with reference to an offence or a civil wrong, shall includ e a 
series of acts, and words which refer to acts done shall extend also to 
illegal omissions; 
(3) “Acceding State” shall mean any territory in the Indo -Pakistan sub -
continent which the 
1
[Federal Government] recognizes as a State, 
whether described as a St ate or otherwise, and which has acceded to 
Pakistan, and 
“non-Acceding State” shall mean any State so recognized which has 
not so acceded; 
(4) “affidavit” shall include affirmation and declaration in the case of 
persons by law allowed to affirm or declare instead of swearing; 
2
[
3
[(4a) * * * * * * * * *  ]] 
4
[
5
[(4b) * * * * * * * * *  ]] 
6
[
7
[(4c) * * * * * * * * *  ]] 
(5) “barrister” shall mean a barrister of England or Ireland or a member of 
the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland; 
(6) “British India” shall me an, as respects the period before the 
commencement of Part III of the Government of India Act, 1935, all 
territories and places within His Majesty’s Dominions which were for 
the time being governed by His Majesty through the Governor -General 
of India or th rough any Governor or officer subordinate to the 
Governor-General of India, and as respects any period after that date 
and before the establishment of the Federation of Pakistan means all 
territories for the time being comprised within the Governors’ Provi nces 
and the Chief Commissioners’ Provinces, except that a reference to 
British India in an Indian Law passed or made before the 
commencement of Part III of the Government of India Act, 1935, shall 
not include a reference to Berar. 
(7) 
8
[*  * * * * * * * *   ] 
                                                           
1Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
2Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
3Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order , 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
4Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, publi shed in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
5Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extra ordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973).  
6Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
7Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973).  
8Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp.1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
(8) 
1
[*  * * * * * * *   *   ] 
(9) 
2
[“Federal Act”, shall means ‘an Act of Parliament’;] 
(10) “
3
[Federal] Government” shall– 
(a) in relation to anything done before the commencement of Part III 
of the Government of India Act, 1935, mean the Governor -
General in Council or the authority competent at the relevant 
date to exercise the functions corresponding to those 
subsequently exercised by the Governor-General; 
(b) in relation to anything done after the commencement of Part III 
of the said Act, but before the establishment of the Federation of 
Pakistan mean, as respect matters with respect to which the 
Governor-General was by or under the provisions of the said Act 
then in force required to act in his discretion, the Governor -
General and as respects other matters, the Governor-General in 
Council; and 
(c) in relation to anything done 
4
[* * *] after the establishment of the 
Federation of Pakistan, 
5
[but before the twenty -third day of 
March, 1956] mean the Governor-General; and shall include– 
(i) in relation to functions entrusted under sub -section (1) of 
section 124 of the said Act to the Government of a 
Province, the Provincial Government acting within the 
scope of the authority given to it under that sub -section; 
and 
(ii) in relation to the administration 
6
[before the fourteenth day 
of October, 1955,] of a Chief Commissioner’s Province, 
the Chief Commissioner acting within the scope of the 
authority given to him under sub -section (3) of section 94 
of the said Act; 
7
[(d) in relation to anything done or to be  done, after the twenty -third 
day of March, 1956, 
8
[and before the 14 th August, 1973] mean 
the President, and shall include in relation to functions entrusted 
                                                           
1Omitted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964 , published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
2Substituted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp.1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Substituted for the word “Central” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (4 of 1975), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated August 1, 1975, pp. 435-467, Article 2(3) read with Table of General Adaptations. 
4Omitted the words “or to be done” by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
5Inserted by the Order ibid. 
6Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
7Added by the Order ibid. 
8Inserted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
to the Government of a Province, the Provincial Government 
within the scope of the authority given to it by the President;]  
1
[(e) in relation to anything done or to be done after the 14 th August, 
1973, mean the Federal Government;] 
(11) “
2
[Federal] Legislature” shall mean the Governor -General in Council 
acting in a legislative capacity under the Gove rnment of India Act, 
1833, the Government of India Act, 1853, the Indian Councils Acts, 
1861 to 1909, or any of those Acts, or the Government of India Act, 
1915, the Indian Legislature acting under the Government of India Act, 
or the Government of India Ac t, 1935, or the Federal Legislature acting 
under the Government of India Act, 1935, 
3
[or the Parliament under the 
Constitution of 1956 or the National Assembly acting under the 
Constitution of 1962 
4
[*]] 
5
[or the Parliament under the Constitution of 
the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973]  as the case may require; 
(12) “Chapter” shall mean a chapter of 
6
[the Punjab Act] in which the word 
occurs; 
7
[(13) “Chief Court” in relation to anything done before the fourteenth day of 
October, 1955, shall mean the high est Court of original, appellate or 
revisional jurisdiction (not including the Federal Court);]  
(14) “Collector” shall mean the Chief Officer -in-charge of the revenue 
administration of a District and shall include a Deputy Commissioner; 
(15) “Colony”– 
(a) in any Act passed after the commencement of Part III of the 
Government of India Act, 1935, shall mean any part of His 
Majesty’s Dominions exclusive of the British Islands, 
8
[**] of India 
and Pakistan (and before the 
9
[fifteenth day of August, 1947], 
British India) any Dominions as defined in the Statute of 
Westminster, 1931, any Province or State forming part of any of 
the said Dominions, and British Burma; and 
(b) in any Act passed before the commencement of Part III of the 
said Act, shall mean any part o f His Majesty’s Dominions 
exclusive of the British Islands and of British India, and in either 
                                                           
1Added by the Order ibid. 
2Substituted for the word “Central” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (4 of 1975), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated August 1, 1975, pp. 435-467, Article 2(3) read with Table of General Adaptations. 
3Inserted by the West Pakistan  Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
4Omitted the “semi -colon” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 19 74 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2 (1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 
14.8.1973). 
5Inserted by the Order ibid. 
6Substituted for the word “West Pakistan” by the Order ibid. 
7Substituted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
8Omitted the words “the dominions” by the Order ibid. 
9Substituted for the words “establishment of those dominions” by the Order ibid. 
case where parts of those Dominions are under both a central 
and local legislature, all parts under the central legislature shall, 
for the purposes of this definition, be deemed to be one colony; 
(16) “commencement” used with reference to 
1
[the Punjab] Act shall mean 
the day on which the Act comes into force; 
2
[(17) [“Commissioner” shall mean the Chief Officer -in-Charge of the 
Revenue and general administration of  a division and shall include an 
Additional Commissioner of such division;]  
 
3
[
4
[(17a) “Constitution” means the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of 
Pakistan enforced on the fourteenth day of August, 1973;] 
(18) “Consular Officer” shall include consul -general, consul, vice -consul, 
consular agent, pro -consul and any person for the time being 
authorised to perform the duties of consul -general, consul, vice-consul 
or consular agent; 
(19) “Deputy Commissioner” shall mean the chief officer -in-charge of the 
General Administration of a District; 
(20) “District Judge” shall mean the Judge of a principal civil court of original 
jurisdiction, but shall not include the High Court in the exercise of its 
ordinary or extraordinary original civil jurisdiction; 
(21) “District Court” shall mean the principal civil court of original civil 
jurisdiction of a district; but shall not include the High Court in the 
exercise of its ordinary or extraordinary original civil jurisdiction; 
(22) “document” shall include any matter wri tten, expressed or described 
upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks, or by more 
than one of those means, which is intended to be used, or which may 
be used, for the purpose of recording that matter; 
(23) “enactment” shall include an Ordin ance and a Regulation and any 
provision contained in any 
5
[**] Act, Ordinance or Regulation 
6
[,] 
7
[applicable in the Punjab;] 
(24) “father” in the case of any one whose personal law permits adoption, 
shall include an adoptive father; 
                                                           
1Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 
(w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
2Substituted by the West Pakistan General Clauses (Amendment) Act, 1964 (VIII of 1964), published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated March 17, 1964, pp. 839-840, s. 2. 
3Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
4Substituted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
5Omitted the words “West Pakistan” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 
14.8.1973). 
6Replaced for the “semi-colon” by the Order ibid. 
7Added by the Order ibid. 
1
[(25) “financial year” means–  
(a) as respects the period before the first day of April, 1959, the 
year commencing on the first day of April and ending on the 
thirty-first day of March;  
(b) as respects the period from the first day of April, 1959, to the 
thirtieth day of June, 1959, both days inclusive, that period;  
(c) thereafter, the year commencing on the first day of July and 
ending on the thirtieth day of June;] 
(26) “Gazette” or “Official Gazette” shall mean the 
2
[Punjab Gazette]  
published under the authority of the 
3
[Governor of the Punjab]; 
(27) A thing shall be deemed to be done in “good faith” where it is in fact 
done honestly, whether it is done negligently or not; 
(28) “Government” or “the Government” shall mean the 
4
[Federal 
Government] or the Government of the province of 
5
[the Punjab], as the 
case may be; 
(29) 
6
[* * * * * * * * *   ] 
7
[(30) 
8
[“High Court” shall mean High Court of the Province;]] 
(31) “immovable property” shall include land, benefits to arise out of land, 
and things attached to the earth, or perma nently fastened to anything 
attached to the earth; 
(32) “imprisonment” shall mean imprisonment of either description as 
defined in the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
9
; 
(33) “India” shall mean– 
(a) as respects any period before the establishment of the 
Federation of Pakistan, British India together with all territories 
of any Indian ruler then under the suzerainty of His Majesty, all 
territories under the suzerainty of such an Indian ruler, and the 
tribal areas; and 
                                                           
1Substituted by the West Pakistan General Clauses (Amendment) Ordinance, 1959 (LIV of 1959), published in the Gazette of 
West Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated November 3, 1959, pp. 927-928, s. 2. 
2Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Gazette” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Substituted for the words “Governor of West Pakistan” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in 
the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, 
Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
4Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Order ibid. 
5Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Order ibid. 
6Omitted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Ord er, 1964 , published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
7Substituted by the Order ibid. 
8Substituted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 ( I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
9XLV of 1860. 
(b) as respects any period after the establishm ent of the Federation 
of Pakistan all territories for the time being included in the 
Dominion of India, excluding the territories of Jammu and 
Kashmir, Junagadh and Manavadar; 
(34) “India Act” or “Indian Act” shall mean an Act made by the Governor -
General of India in Council; 
1
[(34-a) 
2
[* * * * * * * * *  ]] 
3
[(34-b) 
4
[* * * * * * * * *  ]] 
(35) “local authority” shall mean a municipal corporation, municipal 
committee, district board, body of Port Trustees or Commissioners, or 
other authority legally entitl ed to, or entrusted by the Government with 
the control or management of a municipal or local fund; 
(36) “Magistrate” shall include every person exercising all or any of the 
powers of a Magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure for the 
time being in force; 
(37) “Master” used with reference to a ship shall mean any person (except a 
pilot or harbour master) having for the time being control or charge of 
the ship; 
(38) “month” shall mean a month reckoned according to the British 
calendar; 
(39) “movable pr operty” shall mean property of every description except 
immovable property; 
 
5
[(39a) 6
[* * * * * * * * *  ]] 
7
[(40) 
8
[* * * * * * * * *  ]] 
(41) “notification” shall mean a notification published under proper authority 
in the Official Gazette; 
(42) “oath” shall include affirmation and declaration in the case of persons 
by law allowed to affirm or declare instead of swearing; 
(43) “offence” shall mean any act or omission made punishable by any law 
for the time being in force; 
                                                           
1Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964,  published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
2Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette ( Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary),  
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
4Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
5Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
6Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
7Ibid. 
8Ibid. 
(44) 
1
[“Pakistan” shall have the  same meaning as in Article 1 of the 
Constitution;] 
(45) “Pakistan Law” shall mean any Act, Ordinance, Regulation, Rule, 
Order, or Bye -law which before the establishment of the Federation of 
Pakistan had the force of law in British India or any part thereo f, or 
thereafter has the force of law in Pakistan or any part thereof, other 
than a Federated State, 
2
[* * * * * * *]; 
(46) “part” shall mean a part of 
3
[the Punjab] Act in which the word occurs; 
(47) “person” shall include any company or association or bo dy of 
individuals, whether incorporated or not; 
(48) “political agent” shall mean the principal officer by whatever name 
called, representing the 
4
[Federal Government] in an Acceding State or 
group of Acceding States or in any territory or place in the tri bal areas 
or leased areas; 
5
[(49) * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(50) “Province” shall mean the Province of 
6
[the Punjab]; 
(51) “Provincial Government” shall mean the Government of 
7
[the Punjab]; 
(52) “public nuisance” shall mean a public nuisance as defined in the  
Pakistan Penal Code
8
; 
9
[(52-a) 
10
[“the Punjab” shall mean the territories comprised in the Province of 
the Punjab as set out in the schedule to the Province of West Pakistan 
(Dissolution Order), 1970;]] 
11
[(53) “Punjab Act” shall mean an Act or Ordinance ma de by the Lieutenant 
Governor of the Punjab in Council under the Indian Councils Act, 1861 
and 1892 or the Indian Councils Act 1861 to 1909 or the Government 
of India Act, 1915, or by the Local Legislature or the Governor of the 
Punjab under the Government  of India Act or by the Provincial 
Legislature or the Governor under the Government of India Act, 1935, 
or under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1956, or 
the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1962, or the 
                                                           
1Substituted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
2Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp.1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Order ibid. 
4Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Order ibid. 
5Deleted by the Order ibid. 
6Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Order ibid. 
7Ibid. 
8XLV of 1860. 
9Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adap tation) Order, 1964, published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
10Substituted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published  in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp.1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
11Ibid. 
Interim Const itution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1972, or the 
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973;]  
(54) “registered” used with reference to a document shall mean registered 
in 
1
[the Punjab] under the law for the time being in force for the  
registration of documents; 
(55) “rule” shall mean a rule made in exercise of a power conferred by any 
enactment and shall include a regulation made as a rule under any 
enactment; 
(56) “schedule” shall mean a schedule to the Act in which the word occurs; 
(57) “scheduled district” shall mean a “scheduled district” as defined in the 
Scheduled Districts Act, 1874
2
; 
(58) “section” shall mean a section of the Act in which the word occurs; 
(59) “ship” shall include every description of vessel used in navigation n ot 
exclusively propelled by oars; 
(60) “sign” with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, shall, 
with reference to a person who is unable to write his name, include 
“mark” with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions; 
 
3
[(60a) 
4
[* * * * * * * * *  ]] 
5
[(61) * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(62) “son” in the case of any one whose personal law permits adoption, 
shall include an adopted son; 
6
[
7
[(63) * * * * * * * * *  ]] 
(64) “sub-section” shall mean a sub-section of the section in which the word  
occurs; 
(65) “swear” with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, shall 
include affirming and declaring in the case of persons by law allowed to 
affirm or declare instead of swearing; 
 
8
[
1
[(65-a) “Tribal Areas” shall mean the Tribal Areas as d efined in the 
Constitution;]] 
                                                           
1Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 
(w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
2XIV of 1874. 
3Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964, p ublished in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
4Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Ex traordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
5Ibid. 
6Substituted by the West Pakistan General Clauses (Amendment) Act, 1957 (III of 1957), published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated February 28, 1957, pp. 345-346, s. 3(a). 
7Omitted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964 , published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
8Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964 , published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962).  
(66) “vessel” shall include any ship or boat or any other description of 
vessel used in navigation; 
2
[(67) * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(68) “will” shall include a codicil and every writing making a voluntary 
posthumous disposition of property; 
(69) “writing” expressions referring to “writing” shall be construed as 
including references to printing, lithography, photography and other 
modes of representing or reproducing words in a visible form; and 
(70) “year” shall mean a year reckone d according to the Gregorian 
calendar. 
General rules for construction 
3. Coming into operation of enactments .– 
3
[Where any Punjab Act is not 
expressed to come into operation on a particular day, then, it shall come into 
operation on the day assent thereto by the Governor, whether the assent has been 
given or is deemed to have been given, is first published in the official Gazette, and 
in every such Act the date of the first publication thereof shall be printed either above 
or below the title of the Act and shall form part of every such Act.]  
4. Effect of Repeal .– (1) Where this Act or any other 
4
[the Punjab Act] repeals 
any enactment then, unless a different intention appears, the repeal shall not– 
(a) revive anything not in force or existing at the time at  which the repeal 
takes effect; 
(b) affect the previous operation of any enactment so repealed or anything 
duly done or suffered thereunder; or 
(c) affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or 
incurred under any enactment so repealed; or 
(d) affect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of any 
offence committed against any enactment so repealed; or 
(e) affect any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any 
such right, privilege, obligation, lia bility, penalty, forfeiture or 
punishment as aforesaid; and any such investigation, legal proceeding 
or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced, and any such 
penalty, forfeiture or punishment may be imposed as if the Repealing 
Act had not been passed. 
 (2) The provisions of sub -section (1) shall apply on the expiry or 
withdrawal of any Ordinance promulgated by the Governor 
1
[* * * * * *] as if it had 
been repealed by 
2
[the Punjab Act]. 
                                                                                                                                                                                     
1Substituted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 
November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
2Deleted by the Order ibid. 
3Substituted by the Order ibid. 
4Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Order ibid. 
5. Repeal of Act making textual amendment in Act.– Where any 
3
[Punjab Act] 
repeals any enactment by which the text of any enactment was amended by the 
express, omission, insertion or substitution of any matter, then unless a different 
intention appears, the repeal shall not affect the continuance of any such 
amendment made by the enactment so repealed and in operation at the time of such 
repeal. 
6. Revival of repealed enactments.– In any 
4
[Punjab Act] it shall be necessary, 
for the purpose of reviving either wholly or partially, any enactment wholly or partially 
repealed, expressly to state that purpose. 
7. Construction of reference to repealed enactments .– 
5
[(1)] Where this Act 
or any other 
6
[Punjab Act], repeals and re -enacts, with or without modification, any 
provision of a former enactment, then references in any oth er enactment or in any 
instrument to the provision so repealed shall, unless a different intention appears, be 
construed as references to the provisions so re-enacted.  
 
7
[(2) Where any 
8
[Federal] Act 
9
[* * *] repeals and re -enacts, with or without 
modifications, any provision of a former enactment, then references in any 
10
[Punjab 
enactment] or instrument to the provision so repealed shall, unless a different 
intention appears, be construed as references to the provision so enacted.] 
8. Commencement and ter mination of time.– In any 
11
[Punjab Act], it shall be 
sufficient, for the purpose of excluding the first in a series of days or any other period 
of time to use the word “from” and for the purpose of including the last in a series of 
days or any other period of time to use the word “to”. 
9. Computation of time.– Where, by any 
12
[Punjab Act], any act or proceeding is 
directed or allowed to be done or taken in any Court or office on a certain day or 
                                                                                                                                                                                     
1Omitted the words “under section 88 of the Government of India Act, 1935, or Article 102 of the Constitution” by the West 
Pakistan Laws (Adaptat ion) Order, 1964 , published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated June 3, 1964, pp. 
1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
2Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Ord er, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Ibid. 
4Ibid. 
5Renumbered by the West Pakistan General Clauses (A mendment) Act, 1957 (III of 1957), published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated February 28, 1957, pp. 345-346, s. 5. 
6Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in t he 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
7Added by the West Pakistan General Clauses (Amendment) Act, 1957 (III of 1957), published in the Gaz ette of West Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated February 28, 1957, pp. 345-346, s. 5. 
8Substituted for the word “Central” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (4 of 1975), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated August 1, 1975, pp. 435-467, Article 2(3) read with Table of General Adaptations. 
9Deleted the words “or an Act of Parliament” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp.  1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry No. 1 
(w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
10Substituted for the words “West Pakistan enactment” by the Order ibid. 
11Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Order ibid. 
12Ibid. 
within a prescribed period, then, if the Court or office is clo sed on that day or the last 
day of the prescribed period, the act or proceeding shall be considered as done or 
taken in due time if it is done or taken on the next day afterwards on which the Court 
or office is open: 
 Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any act or proceeding to 
which the Limitation Act, 1908
1
, applies. 
10. Measurement of distance .– In the measurement of any distance, for the 
purpose of any 
2
[Punjab Act], the distance shall unless a different intention appears, 
be measured in a straight line on a horizontal plane. 
11. Duty to be taken prorata in enactments.– Where, by any enactment now in 
force or hereafter to be in force, any duty of customs or excise, or in the nature 
thereof, is leviable on any given quantity, by weight, m easure or value of any goods 
or merchandise, then a like duty is leviable according to the same rate on any 
greater or less quantity. 
12. Gender and number.– In all 
3
[Punjab Act], unless there is anything repugnant 
in the subject or context:– 
(1) words imp orting the masculine gender shall be taken to include 
females; and 
(2) words in the singular shall include the plural; and vice versa. 
Powers and functionaries 
13. Power conferred to be exercisable from time to time .– Where, by or under 
any 
4
[Punjab Act], any power is conferred upon any authority, then that power may 
be exercised by such authority from time to time as occasion requires. 
14. Power to appoint to include power to appoint ex-officio.– Where, by any 
5
[Punjab Act],  any power to appoint any perso n to fill any office or execute any 
function is conferred, then, unless it is otherwise expressly provided, any such 
appointment may be made either by name or by virtue of office. 
15. Power to appoint to include power to suspend or dismiss .– Where, by 
any 
6
[Punjab Act], a power to make any appointment is conferred, then, unless 
different intention appears, the authority having for the time being power to make the 
appointment shall also have power to suspend or dismiss any person appointed 
whether by itself or any other authority in exercise of that power. 
                                                           
1IX of 1908. 
2Substituted for th e words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
4Ibid. 
5Ibid. 
6Ibid. 
16. Substitution of functionaries.– In any 
1
[Punjab Act], it shall be sufficient, for 
the purpose of indicating the application of a law to every person or number of 
persons for the time being executing the  functions of an office, to mention the official 
title of the officer at present executing the functions, or that of the officer by whom 
the functions are commonly executed. 
17. Successors.– In any 
2
[Punjab Act], it shall be sufficient for the purpose of 
indicating the relation of a law to the successors of any functionaries or of 
corporations having perpetual succession to express its relation to the functionaries 
or corporations. 
18. Official Chiefs and subordinates .– In any 
3
[Punjab Act], it shall be suf ficient 
for the purpose of expressing that a law relative to the chief or superior of an office 
shall apply to the deputies or subordinates lawfully performing the duties of that 
office in the place of their superiors, to prescribe the duty of the superior. 
Provisions as to orders, rules, etc., 
made under enactments 
19. Construction of orders to issue under enactments .– Where, by any 
4
[Punjab Act], a power to issue any notification, order, scheme, rule, form, or bye -law 
is conferred, then, expressions used in the notification, order, scheme, rule, form or 
bye-law shall unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, have the 
same respective meanings as in the Act conferring the power. 
20. Power to make to include, power to add to, amend, vary o r rescind 
orders, rules or bye -laws.– Where, by any 
5
[Punjab Act],  a power to issue 
notifications, orders, rules, scheme, form or bye -laws is conferred then that power 
includes a power, exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like sanction and 
conditions (if any), to add to, amend, vary or rescind, any notifications, orders, rules, 
scheme, form, bye-laws so issued. 
21. Making of rules or bye -laws and issuing of orders between passing and 
commencement of enactment.– Where, by any 
6
[Punjab Act] which is not to come 
into force immediately on the passing thereof a power is conferred to make rules or 
bye-laws, or to issue orders with respect to the application of the Act or with respect 
to the establishment of any Court or office or the appointment of any judge or officer 
thereunder or with respect to the person by whom, or the time when, or the place 
where, or the manner in which, or the fees for which anything is to be done under the 
Act, then that power may be exercised at any time after the passing of the Act, but 
rules, bye -laws or orders so made or issued shall not take effect till the 
commencement of the Act. 
                                                           
1Ibid. 
2Ibid. 
3Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
4Ibid. 
5Ibid. 
6Ibid. 
22. Provisions applicable to making of rules or bye -laws after previous 
publication.– Where, by any 
1
[Punjab Act], a power to make  rules or bye-laws is 
expressed to be given subject to the condition of the rules or bye -laws being made 
after previous publication, then, unless such Act otherwise provides, the following 
provisions shall apply, namely:– 
(1) the authority having power to make the r ules or bye -laws shall, before 
making them, publish a draft of the proposed rules or bye -laws for the 
information of persons likely to be affected thereby; 
(2) the publication shall be made in such manner as that authority deems 
to be sufficient, or if the  condition with respect to previous publication 
so requires, in such manner as the Provincial Government, prescribes; 
(3) there shall be published with the draft a notice specifying a date on or 
after which the draft will be taken into consideration; 
(4) the authority having power to make the rules or bye -laws and, where 
the rules or bye -laws are to be made with the sanction, approval or 
concurrence of another authority, that authority also, shall consider any 
objection or suggestion which may be received b y the authority having 
power to make the rules or bye -laws from any person with respect to 
the draft before the date so specified; 
(5) the publication in the Official Gazette of a rule or bye -law purporting to 
have been made in exercise of a power to make rules or bye-laws after 
previous publication shall be conclusive proof that the rule or bye -law 
has been duly made. 
23. Continuation of appointment, notification, orders, etc., issued under 
enactments repealed and re -enacted.– Where any 
2
[Punjab Act], is r epealed and 
re-enacted with or without modification, then, unless it is otherwise expressly 
provided, any appointment, notification, order, scheme, rule, form or bye -law made 
or issued under the repealed Act, shall so far as it is not inconsistent with the  
provisions re -enacted continue in force, and be deemed to have been made or 
issued under the provisions so re -enacted unless or until it is superseded by any 
appointment, notification, order, scheme, rule, form or bye -law made or issued under 
the provisions so re-enacted. 
Miscellaneous 
24. Recovery of fines .– Sections 63 to 70 of the Pakistan Penal Code
3
 and the 
provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure
4
 for the time being in force in relation to 
the issue and the execution of warrants for the levy of f ines shall apply to all fines 
imposed under any Act, rule or bye -law, unless the Act, rule or bye -law contains an 
express provision to the contrary. 
                                                           
1Ibid. 
2Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No.1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
3XLV of 1860. 
4V of 1898. 
25. Provision as to offences punishable under two or more enactments .– 
Where an act or omission constitutes  an offence under two or more enactments, 
then the offender shall be liable to be prosecuted and punished under either or any 
of those enactments, but shall not be liable to be punished twice for the same 
offence. 
26. Meaning of service by post .– Where any  
1
[Punjab Act] authorises or 
requires any document to be served by post, whether the expression “serve” or 
either of the expressions “give” or “send” or any other expression is used, then, 
unless a different intention appears, the service shall be deemed t o be effected by 
properly addressing, pre -paying and posting by registered post, a letter containing 
the documents, and, unless the contrary is proved, to have been effected at the time 
at which the letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post. 
27. Citation of enactments .– (1) In any 
2
[Punjab Act] and in any rule, bye -law, 
instrument or document, made under, or with reference to, any such Act, any 
enactment may be cited by reference to the title or short title (if any) conferred 
thereon or by re ference to the number and year thereof, and any provision in an 
enactment may be cited by reference to the section or sub -section of the enactment 
in which the provision is contained. 
 (2) In any 
3
[Punjab Act], a description or citation of a portion of ano ther 
enactment shall, unless a different intention appears, be construed as including the 
word, section or other part mentioned or referred to as forming the beginning and as 
forming the end of the portion comprised in the description or citation. 
28. Application to Ordinances and Regulations .– 
4
[The provisions of this Act 
shall apply in relation to any Ordinance promulgated by the Governor as they apply 
in relation to Acts made by the Provincial Legislature of West Pakistan
5
.] 
29. Repeal.– The following enactments are hereby repealed:– 
(1) The Sind General Clauses Act, 1947
6
; 
7
[(1a) The Sind General Clauses Act, 1947, as applicable in the District of 
Karachi;] 
(2) The Punjab General Clauses Act, 1898
8
; 
                                                           
1Substituted for the words “West Pakistan Act” by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (I of 1974), published in th e 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part III, Entry 
No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
2Ibid. 
3Ibid. 
4Substituted by the West Pakistan Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1964 , published in the Gazett e of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated June 3, 1964, pp. 1805-1849, Article 2(1) read with Schedule, Part VIII (w.e.f. 8.6.1962). 
5Now Punjab. 
6XXII of 1947. 
7Inserted by the West Pakistan Laws (Extension to Karachi) Ordinance, 1964 (VII of 1964), publi shed in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated May 25, 1964, pp. 1679-1688, s. 2 read with Schedule, Entry No. 1 (w.e.f. 14.8.1973). 
8Pb. I of 1898.  
(3) The Punjab General Clauses Act, 1898, as applicable to the Districts of 
Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Rahimyar Khan; and 
(4) The North-West Frontier Province General Clauses Act, 1932
1
. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
1N.W.F.P. II of 1932.