Punjab Announces Jail and Fine for Illegal Possession of Weapons

The Punjab government has approved a significant increase in penalties for possessing illegal firearms, making the offence non-bailable and subject to up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

Under the new directive, individuals found in possession of unlicensed weapons will face strict legal action as part of the province’s broader effort to curb gun-related crimes and improve public safety.

The government has also imposed an immediate ban on the issuance of new arms licences across Punjab and has given residents a one-month deadline to surrender illegal weapons. Citizens have been instructed to register their legal firearms at the nearest Khidmat Markaz (Service Centre) within the same timeframe.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the crackdown aims to “ensure complete accountability and eliminate the circulation of unregistered and illegal weapons in the province.”

In a parallel move to strengthen internal security, the provincial government has also announced a combing operation targeting illegal residents and their businesses. A whistleblower system will be introduced to enable citizens to report illegal immigrants and their commercial activities.