In a first, Punjab allows gun shooting clubs

Bill allows target shooting with non-prohibited arms under strict regulation.

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For the first time in history, the Punjab government has decided to grant permission for gun shooting clubs in the province.

According to reports, the government has also decided to introduce major amendments to the Punjab Arms Ordinance, 1965 to curb illegal weapons use, smuggling, and terrorism.

The amendments include shifting licensing powers, increasing penalties, and introducing stricter punishments.

A bill has been sent to the Punjab Assembly proposing these amendments.

The text of the bill states that for the first time, target shooting with firearms will be allowed in registered gun clubs. Training will be permitted using non-prohibited bore weapons.

Key provisions include:

• A mandatory license for operating a gun club

• 5 to 7 years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rs. 3 million for unlicensed operation

• Licensing authority shifted from magistrates to Deputy Commissioners

• Final decision-making power on issuance or cancellation of arms licenses moved from the provincial government to the Secretary of the Home Department

The proposed law allows no leniency in arms-related cases:

• Police can arrest without a warrant

• Possession of non-prohibited arms: minimum 3 years' imprisonment + Rs. 1 million fine

• Display or use of non-prohibited arms: 7 years' imprisonment + Rs. 2 million fine

• Possession of prohibited arms: 4–7 years in prison + Rs. 2 million fine

• Use of prohibited arms: 7–10 years in prison + Rs. 2 million fine

• Large arms possession (2 prohibited or 5 non-prohibited weapons): 10–14 years' imprisonment + Rs. 3 million fine

The bill also proposes a historic increase in financial penalties:

• Minimum fine raised from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 130,000

• Failure to pay fines may result in 3 months to 2 years of additional jail time

Section 27, which previously allowed for exemptions and special permissions in arms cases, is proposed to be removed entirely.Running a weapon manufacturing or repair business without a license will result in 7 years’ imprisonment and a Rs. 3 million fine.

The bill aims to promote responsible arms use, ensure public safety, regulate training through gun clubs, and tighten enforcement of firearms laws. The draft has been sent to the relevant committee of the Punjab Assembly, which is expected to submit its report within two months.