Govt launches 15-day amnesty to surrender illegal arms

Offenders to face up to 14 years in jail, Rs3m fine

LAHORE:

In a move to rid Punjab of illegal firearms, the provincial government has introduced the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, granting citizens a 15-day window to voluntarily hand over all unlicensed weapons without fear of prosecution.

After the amnesty expires, anyone found in possession of illegal arms will face prison terms ranging from four to 14 years, along with fines between Rs1 million and Rs3 million.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar announced the initiative during a press conference at the Central Police Office, held in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision to eliminate gun culture from the province.

Special Secretary Home Fazalur Rehman and Additional IGP Counter Crime Department (CCD) Sohail Zafar Chattha were also present.

Dr Anwar said the new law marks a significant step toward ensuring peace and safety across Punjab.

"Every citizen must surrender illegal arms within 15 days. After that, strict action will be taken without discrimination," he declared.

"Those keeping weapons under the pretext of self-defense or personal enmity will not be spared."

The IGP further disclosed that over one million licensed firearms across the province will also undergo reverification and auditing to ensure transparency.

"Search and scrutiny operations will begin soon. Our goal is to eliminate the 'dalaa culture'—the public display and misuse of weapons," he added.

According to Dr Anwar, CCD offices, designated police stations, and special collection centres have been established throughout Punjab to receive surrendered weapons, which will later be destroyed under official supervision.

To curb arms smuggling, modern scanners are being installed at border check posts.

The IGP also revealed that private security guard recruitment will now come under strict monitoring. Guards will receive mandatory training under police supervision, and their licenses will only be issued after thorough verification.

A panic button linked to the Police Emergency Helpline 15 is also being launched to enable immediate responses to emergencies.

Highlighting police welfare and public safety efforts, Dr Anwar shared that more than 2,500 missing or abducted children have been safely reunited with their families through the Virtual Center for Child Safety.

Special Secretary Home Fazalur Rehman emphasized that the new act is uncompromising.