By Ali Imran Abbasi
LAHORE:Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar on Friday held an important press conference at the Central Police Office, Lahore, announcing the introduction of the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025.Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman and Additional IG Counter Crime Department (CCD) Sohail Zafar Chattha were also present.Speaking at the press conference, he announced the introduction of the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, under which citizens are required to surrender all illegal weapons within 15 days. He warned that possession of illegal arms after the deadline would lead to imprisonment of four to fourteen years along with fines ranging from Rs 1 million to Rs 3 million.The IGP stated that the initiative aims to eliminate the “display of arms culture” from Punjab and ensure complete eradication of unlicensed weapons. He said over one million licensed weapons would be reverified, while scrutiny and search operations are being launched across the province. Strict, indiscriminate action will be taken against those keeping or trading in illegal arms, he added.Dr. Usman Anwar said illegal weapons could be surrendered at CCD offices, designated police stations, and notified collection centres, and all recovered arms would be destroyed under CCD supervision. Scanners are also being installed at provincial border check posts to curb arms smuggling.
He further informed that the recruitment and training of private security guards are being restructured, with all guards to be trained under police supervision and their licenses strictly monitored. A panic button system linked to Police Helpline 15 is also being introduced for private guards.Highlighting other achievements, the IGP said more than 2,500 abducted or missing children have been safely reunited with their families through the Virtual Center for Child Safety.Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman said that under the new Act, illegal arms possession is a non-bailable offense carrying imprisonment of 4–14 years and heavy fines.Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chattha shared that since the establishment of the CCD, crime rates have dropped significantly—murders by 33%, vehicle snatching by 62%, vehicle theft by 51%, dacoities by 70%, and street robberies by 71%. He said the department targets a further 75% reduction in weapon-related crimes within the next four months.
