Punjab bans new arms licenses, launches crackdown on illegal weapons

The Punjab government has banned the issuance of new arms licenses across the province as part of a strict crackdown on illegal weapons.

According to the Home Department, citizens have been given one month to hand over illegal firearms and register their licensed weapons at Khidmat Centres.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also ordered a full inspection of all arms dealers’ stocks to stop the sale of unauthorized weapons. In addition, the provincial government has suggested that the federal government regulate arms factories and manufacturers to ensure proper legal oversight.

Strict Penalties for Illegal Weapons

The government has increased punishments for anyone found with unlicensed weapons. Offenders can now face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs 2 million. The crime has also been declared non-bailable, showing the seriousness of the new policy.

Officials say these steps are aimed at improving internal security and maintaining law and order across Punjab.

Action Against Illegal Foreign Nationals

In a separate move, the Punjab government has decided to take strict action against undocumented foreign nationals, especially Afghan residents living in the province.

During a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government approved several measures to regulate foreign residents and include Afghan nationals in the provincial tax system.

A real-time database will be created to record all undocumented Afghans in Punjab, and a whistleblower system will be introduced for citizens to confidentially report illegal immigrants.

The government will also carry out combing operations against illegal residents and their businesses. Officials have been directed to identify and deport all undocumented foreign nationals in line with the federal government’s policy.

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