Punjab to Introduce New Punishments for Keeping Illegal Weapons

The Punjab government has decided to launch a major crackdown against individuals possessing illegal weapons.

A new law proposing stricter punishments has been approved by the provincial cabinet and sent to the assembly for final approval.

Under the proposed amendments, anyone found with illegal weapons could face up to 14 years in prison.

The fine for possessing unlicensed arms, which was previously set at Rs. 50,000, has been increased to a maximum of Rs. 500,000.

In the case of prohibited bore weapons, the current 14-year jail term could be extended to life imprisonment.

The punishment for illegally transporting arms has also been raised from three years to a minimum of 10 years.

Holding a fake arms license will now carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison along with a fine, a significant increase from the existing two-year term.

The revised law also includes strict penalties and property seizure for those involved in the illegal buying and selling of weapons, an area that previously saw minimal consequences. Black market dealers will now face tougher legal action.

All arms licenses will be issued under a new verification system with tighter scrutiny to prevent misuse. Special powers will be granted to the courts for speedy trials and swift delivery of sentences. Any violation of the law will result in immediate confiscation of weapons, cancellation of the license, and mandatory arrest of the offender.