The Punjab government has announced a ban on the issuance of new arms licenses across the province as part of a crackdown on illegal weapons. Citizens have been given one month to surrender unlicensed firearms and register their legal weapons at Khidmat Centres. Violators will face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs 2 million, under the new directives issued by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Punjab Imposes Ban on New Arms Licenses, Launches Crackdown on Illegal Weapons
LAHORE: The Punjab government has banned the issuance of new arms licenses across the province as part of a broad campaign to eliminate illegal weapons and strengthen internal security.
One-Month Ultimatum For Surrender and Registration
The Home Department of Punjab has given citizens a one-month deadline to surrender illegal firearms and register licensed weapons at designated Khidmat Centres.
Officials have warned that strict legal action will follow after the deadline for those failing to comply.
Inspection of Arms Dealers and Factory Regulation
Under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, authorities will conduct comprehensive inspections of all arms dealers’ stock to prevent the circulation of unauthorized weapons.
Punjab Bans Issuance of New Arms Licenses
The Punjab government has also recommended to the federal government that all arms factories and manufacturers be brought under a regulated legal framework to ensure transparency and accountability in the weapons industry.
Harsher Penalties for Illegal Weapons
The government has significantly increased penalties for possession of unlicensed arms.
Those found guilty will face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs 2 million.
Moreover, the offence has been declared non-bailable, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal weapons.
New Arms Licenses Suspended Across Punjab
The provincial government said these actions are essential to improve law and order and ensure public safety across Punjab.
Action Against Illegal Foreign Nationals
Regulation of Afghan Nationals and Immigrants
The Punjab government has also approved strict measures to regulate foreign nationals, particularly illegal Afghan residents, as part of its new security and administrative reforms.
Punjab Announces Ban on New Arms Permits
During a high-level security meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government decided to integrate Afghan nationals into the tax system and crack down on undocumented immigrants operating in the province.
Real-Time Database and Whistleblower System
Authorities have been directed to establish a real-time database of all undocumented Afghan nationals residing in Punjab.
A whistleblower mechanism will also be launched to report illegal residents, ensuring confidentiality for informants.
Combing Operations and Deportation Orders
The meeting approved combing operations across Punjab to identify and investigate illegal residents and their businesses.
Officials have been instructed to take legal action against violators and deport all undocumented foreigners in line with the federal government’s policy.
Government’s Commitment
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that both the arms control initiative and the action against illegal immigrants are vital steps toward restoring peace, order, and transparency in Punjab.
She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ensuring that no individual or entity operates outside the law.
