Punjab Moves to Curb Illegal Weapons, Arms Smuggling with New Law and Drone Policing Plan

Lahore | October 25, 2025

The Punjab government has approved a comprehensive plan to eliminate illegal weapons and arms smuggling from the province, including the introduction of new legislation, drone policing, and strict scrutiny of over one million licensed firearms.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday to review the province’s law and order situation. According to an official handout, the new Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025 will be implemented in three phases — return, destruction, and enforcement — with illegal arms holders directed to surrender their weapons within 15 days.

The chief minister said the initiative aims to dismantle the “arms culture” and ensure tighter control over licensed weapons. A full verification drive of one million arms licences will be conducted, including those issued by federal authorities, in coordination with Islamabad.

Under the new policy, only police personnel and registered private security guards will be permitted to carry firearms. Private security companies will be formally registered and linked to the Punjab Police Helpline 15, while a dedicated police section for instant response will be created. Lahore will host a pilot project for drone policing, which will later be expanded province-wide.

The government will also install advanced weapon scanners at 14 key entry and exit points across Punjab. Possession of illegal arms will carry non-bailable penalties ranging from four to 14 years in prison and fines up to Rs3 million.

Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, addressing a press conference, said that over one million weapons would undergo re-verification and all surrendered arms would be destroyed under the Crime Control Department’s supervision. He stressed that those engaged in arms trade or brandishing weapons would face strict action.

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Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chattha reported a significant 70 percent decline in overall crime since the CCD’s establishment, including notable reductions in murder, vehicle theft, and street robbery cases.