LAHORE, October 22, 2025 — The Counter Crime Department (CCD) has been directed to lead a province-wide campaign against illegal weapons in Punjab. Citizens have been given 15 days to voluntarily surrender unlicensed arms or face strict legal action once the deadline ends.
During a joint press conference with IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chatha said the department aims to reduce gun-related crimes by 75% within four months. He assured that no legal action will be taken against individuals who hand over illegal firearms during the grace period.
“Those who surrender weapons voluntarily will receive legal protection,” Chatha stated. “After the deadline, the CCD will initiate full-scale operations against illegal arms holders.”
Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari confirmed that the government had sealed shops of unlicensed arms dealers across the province. She revealed that 28 dealers had their licences revoked and announced that no new weapon licences would be issued.
“At present, more than one million people in Punjab possess firearms,” Bukhari said, adding that all licensed weapons must be registered at service centres. She stressed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal arms possession.
Bukhari also shared that 559 individuals are currently on physical remand, while others have been sent to jail. “Anyone trying to incite violence or forcibly close markets will face terrorism charges,” she warned.
To ensure proper legal follow-up, a Special Prosecution Cell has been established under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to strengthen the enforcement of anti-weapons laws across Punjab.
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