Punjab Launches Four-Month Campaign to Surrender Illegal Weapons

Web Desk | 3 weeks ago

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed the Crime Control Department (CCD) to carry out a province-wide campaign to deweaponise Punjab within four months.

Speaking at a joint press conference with IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar and Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chatha, the CCD announced a mandate to curb the spread of illegal firearms across the province. The campaign aims to reduce gun-related crimes by 75% within the four-month period.

As part of the initiative, citizens have a 15-day window to voluntarily surrender illegal weapons at CCD police stations or designated surrender centres. Chatha assured that those who comply within the deadline would not face legal action and would receive legal indemnity. However, strict enforcement will follow after the deadline, targeting anyone found in possession of illicit arms.

Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari stated that unlicensed arms dealers’ shops across the province have been sealed, with 28 licences revoked and no new licences being issued. She added that over one million people in Punjab currently possess firearms and all licensed weapons must be properly registered.

Bukhari also noted that 559 individuals are currently under physical remand, with some sent to jail. “Anyone attempting to incite violence or forcibly shut down markets will face terrorism charges,” she warned. A Special Prosecution Cell has been established to ensure effective implementation of the law, following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Read More:Punjab Imposes 14-Year Jail and Heavy Fine for Illegal Weapons

The Punjab government has approved stricter punishment for possessing illegal weapons. Anyone caught with illegal arms can now face up to 14 years in jail and a fine of up to 2 million rupees. This strict action is part of a wider crackdown on crime and aims to improve law and order in the province.

According to officials, keeping illegal weapons will now be considered a non-bailable offense. This means that those arrested for it cannot easily get bail from the court. Authorities believe this step will help reduce the number of weapons circulating without proper checks.