Punjab Launches Crackdown Under “Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025”All Illegal Weapons Must Be Handed Over Within 15 Days, Warns IGP

By Our Staff Reporter Farzana Chaudhry

LAHORE: In a decisive move to make Punjab free from illegal firearms, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar announced the launch of the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, mandating all citizens to surrender illegal weapons within 15 days.

Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office Lahore, IGP Dr. Usman Anwar—accompanied by Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman and Additional IGP Centre for Countering Dangerous Arms (CCD) Sohail Zafar Chatha—said the initiative is being implemented under the vision and directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure lasting peace and safety across the province.

Dr. Anwar revealed that over one million licensed weapons will undergo re-verification, while comprehensive scrutiny and search operations are being conducted province-wide. “Those possessing illegal arms, whether for personal enmity or self-defense, will face strict and indiscriminate action,” he warned. “Anyone involved in the sale or purchase of illegal weapons will also be prosecuted.”

Under the new law, citizens can surrender illegal arms at CCD offices, police stations, or designated collection centers, where all recovered weapons will be destroyed under CCD supervision. Additionally, scanners will be installed at provincial border check-posts to curb arms smuggling.

The IGP also announced tighter regulation of private security companies, stating that guards will now be trained under police supervision, and their licenses will be strictly monitored. A “panic button” system directly connected to Police Helpline 15 is also being introduced for private guards.

Highlighting the government’s recent success, Dr. Anwar noted that the Virtual Centre for Child Safety has already helped reunite over 2,500 missing or abducted children with their families.

Speaking on legal provisions, Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman stated that possession of illegal arms will carry 4 to 14 years of imprisonment and fines between Rs 1 million and Rs 3 million, with such offenses declared non-bailable.

Additional IGP CCD Sohail Zafar Chatha reported significant crime reductions since the CCD’s establishment, including a 33% drop in murders, 62% in vehicle snatching, 51% in vehicle theft, 70% in robberies, and 71% in street crimes. He added that the ongoing crackdown aims to achieve a 75% reduction in gun-related crimes within the next four months.

The press conference concluded with an interactive session, where the IGP responded to journalists’ questions regarding the implementation of the new act and future policing strategies.