Punjab Launches Comprehensive Crackdown to Eradicate Arms and Smuggling CultureMaryam Nawaz Introduces Drone Policing, Integrated Security, and Stricter Arms Regulations

By Our Staff Reporter Farzana Chaudhry

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a major crackdown on the arms and smuggling culture in the province, unveiling new reforms in policing and security regulation. Chairing the fourth extraordinary meeting on law and order, the Chief Minister emphasized her government’s determination to make Punjab free of illegal weapons and ensure technological modernization in law enforcement.

The Punjab Government has decided to implement the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, which mandates all holders of illegal weapons to surrender them within 15 days. The Act will be executed in three phases — surrender of weapons, destruction of surrendered arms, and strict enforcement of arms laws.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that one million licensed weapons across Punjab be re-examined and re-verified, while federal arms licenses issued in the province will also undergo verification through coordination with the federal government.

In a landmark decision, it was declared that only police personnel and registered security guards will be allowed to carry weapons. All private security companies will be required to register under new regulations, ensuring that their guards are trained and connected directly to the Punjab Police Helpline 15. A dedicated command section will be established within the Punjab Police for rapid digital response.

Punjab is also set to introduce drone policing for the first time, with a pilot project launching in Lahore. The initiative will enable drones to reach crime scenes immediately upon reports of an incident, providing real-time surveillance and helping police track and apprehend criminals swiftly. Once successful, the program will expand to other districts.

Furthermore, the Punjab Government announced the installation of modern weapon scanners at 14 key entry and exit points across the province to curb arms smuggling. The meeting decided that arms trafficking offenses would carry up to 14 years of imprisonment, and the annual arms license fee will be doubled to discourage weapon possession and promote peace.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated that her government’s ultimate goal is to “eliminate the arms culture, modernize policing, and ensure a safer, technology-driven Punjab.”