The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, offering citizens a 15-day window to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms without facing prosecution.Â
The initiative aims to reduce illegal weapons in the province, marking a significant move toward curbing the growing gun culture.
Following the amnesty period, those found in possession of illegal firearms 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, unveiled the new law during a press conference at the Central Police Office, aligning with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to promote peace and safety across the province. Special Secretary Home Fazalur Rehman and Additional IGP Counter Crime Department (CCD) Sohail Zafar Chattha also attended the briefing.
Dr. Anwar stressed that the law represents a major step towards ensuring law and order, declaring, “Every citizen must surrender illegal arms within 15 days. After that, strict action will be taken without discrimination. Those keeping weapons for personal reasons or out of enmity will not be spared.”
In addition to the amnesty, Dr. Anwar revealed plans to reverify and audit over one million licensed firearms across Punjab to ensure transparency. He noted that operations to inspect and scrutinize weapons would soon begin, with a particular focus on eliminating the “dalaa culture”—the public display and misuse of firearms.
