All students in Punjab are required to be screened for thalassemia and other genetic abnormalities before they are admitted to educational institutions, including religious seminaries and colleges.

The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, which includes this requirement, to stop the spread of thalassemia and other genetic illnesses.

The new law calls for the creation of an advisory board to supervise the prompt detection and treatment of genetic disorders. Reducing the long-term financial and medical impact of chronic illnesses is the aim.

The act mandates that thalassemia and other genetic abnormalities be tested for in all pupils applying to educational institutions. The test results and admission paperwork must be turned in to the appropriate educational bodies.

Additionally, the law requires the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to keep a safe record of every test result. Sharing private information with unapproved parties will result in consequences.

Within ten days, laboratories must transmit test findings to PITB. Under the Pakistan Penal Code, private lab employees who are discovered to be submitting fictitious results or disclosing data will be prosecuted.

Students who have been diagnosed with any genetic abnormalities will also receive counseling services.

All public and private educational institutions in Punjab are subject to the prompt enforcement of this law.

The Punjab governor has yet to give the law his final approval.