The Punjab government has announced a sweeping plan to eliminate illegal weapons and arms smuggling across the province through a new set of strict laws, including the introduction of drone policing, integrated security, and re-verification of one million licensed weapons.
The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to review the province’s law and order situation.
Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025
The provincial government approved the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, which will roll out in three phases: voluntary surrender, destruction of illegal weapons, and strict enforcement of arms regulations.
Under the new law, all illegal arms holders have 15 days to surrender their weapons. Additionally, the government will conduct a province-wide scrutiny of all licensed firearms to verify both owners and issuers.
The handout confirmed that the Punjab government will also contact federal authorities to verify federal arms licenses issued within the province.
Drone Policing and Smart Surveillance
The meeting also approved a pilot project for drone policing in Lahore. These drones will help police reach crime scenes quickly and monitor high-risk areas in real time. Once successful, the system will expand to all districts in Punjab.
Furthermore, modern weapon scanners will be installed at 14 key entry and exit points of the province to detect smuggled arms.
To discourage the growing gun culture, the government also decided to increase the annual arms license fee by 100 percent. Arms smuggling will now be treated as a serious crime, carrying up to 14 years of imprisonment.
Private Security Under Tight Regulation
Only police personnel and registered security guards will be allowed to carry weapons. Private security companies must register under new regulations, and all guards will be linked to the Punjab Police Helpline 15 through a new panic button system for emergencies.
A dedicated section will also be created in the Punjab Police for instant policing and security coordination.
Crackdown on Illegal Weapons and Crime
Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar said that all illegal weapons must be surrendered within the next 15 days. These weapons can be submitted at CCD offices, designated police stations, or notified collection centers, and all recovered arms will be destroyed under CCD supervision.
He emphasized that anyone keeping illegal weapons under personal enmity or for self-protection will face strict, indiscriminate action. The crackdown will also target arms dealers, target killers, and hired shooters.
Dr. Anwar stated that more than 88 FIRs have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against members of a religious group (TLP) for resorting to violence during a recent march on Islamabad. However, he clarified that religious organizations are not being targeted, and the police are simply enforcing the law.
He thanked CM Maryam Nawaz for establishing the Crime Control Department (CCD) and the Riot Management Police (RMP) to enhance public safety.
Additionally, over 2,500 missing or abducted children have been safely reunited with their families through the Virtual Centre for Child Safety, he added.
Heavy Penalties for Illegal Arms
Punjab Special Secretary (Home) Fazalur Rehman said the possession of illegal arms will now carry 4 to 14 years in jail and fines between Rs. 1 million and Rs. 3 million. The offense will be non-bailable.
70% Crime Reduction in Punjab
According to Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chattha, crime rates across Punjab have dropped significantly since the department’s creation.
- Murder cases: down 33%
- Vehicle snatching: down 62%
- Vehicle theft: down 51%
- Dacoity: down 70%
- Street robbery: down 71%
Chattha said the CCD aims to cut weapon-related crimes by 75% within the next four months. He noted that monthly murder cases have dropped from 1,300 to 800, reflecting a 70% overall decline in crime across the province.
