The Punjab government is planning to introduce tougher penalties for possessing illegal weapons, including life imprisonment and property confiscation, under a proposed new ordinance. The move aims to strengthen action against illegal arms possession and improve security across the province.
The Crime Control Department (CCD) has prepared the draft ordinance, which is currently awaiting approval from the Punjab governor. The proposed measures will take effect only after the ordinance receives the required approval.
Under the draft law, people possessing illegal weapons will be given 15 days to surrender them voluntarily. Those found possessing illegal weapons after the deadline could face severe legal consequences.
15-Day Deadline to Surrender Illegal Weapons
One of the key provisions of the proposed ordinance is a 15-day period for voluntarily surrendering illegal weapons. The government intends to provide people with an opportunity to hand over prohibited or illegally held weapons before stricter penalties are enforced.
After the deadline expires, anyone found possessing an illegal weapon could face life imprisonment and confiscation of their property under the proposed law.
However, these penalties remain part of the draft ordinance and will depend on the final approval and implementation of the legislation.
The proposed deadline is expected to be an important part of the planned province-wide effort to recover illegal weapons. Further details about the surrender process and the implementation schedule have not yet been announced in the provided information.
Overseas Pakistanis Can Surrender Weapons Through Representatives
The proposed ordinance also includes a provision for overseas Pakistanis who possess illegal weapons in Punjab.
Under the draft law, Pakistanis living abroad will be allowed to surrender such weapons through authorised representatives. This provision would give overseas residents a way to comply with the proposed requirements without having to return to Pakistan personally.
The measure is intended to make the voluntary surrender process accessible to people who are currently living outside the country.
Further instructions regarding authorised representatives and the procedure for handing over weapons may be issued after the ordinance is approved.
CCD to Supervise Province-Wide Recovery Operation
The Crime Control Department has completed the draft ordinance as part of the government’s proposed action against illegal weapons possession.
Additional Inspector General Sohail Zafar Chattha will supervise the operation to recover illegal weapons across Punjab. The operation is expected to focus on recovering weapons held unlawfully and enforcing the applicable legal requirements.
The proposed ordinance forms part of the government’s wider effort to strengthen enforcement against illegal arms. However, the exact operational details and timeline will depend on the final approval and subsequent implementation arrangements.
Ordinance Awaits Punjab Governor’s Approval
The draft ordinance is currently awaiting approval from the Punjab governor. Until the required approval is granted and the law comes into effect, the proposed penalties and 15-day surrender period should not be treated as officially implemented requirements.
If approved, the ordinance would introduce significantly tougher consequences for illegal weapons possession in Punjab, including the possibility of life imprisonment and property confiscation for violations after the surrender deadline.
Residents, weapons holders and overseas Pakistanis should follow official government announcements for confirmation of the final rules, the effective date and instructions on how to surrender illegal weapons.
Also read: Illegal Weapons Smuggling Foiled on Motorway
