Punjab launches drone policing, cracks down on illegal arms

LAHORE: The provincial government of Punjab has announced several new measures to curb arms smuggling and strengthen security across the province.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the fourth law and order meeting, where officials approved new laws related to drone policing, integrated security and arms regulation.

The meeting approved the launch of a pilot project for drone policing in Lahore. The initiative aims to provide a fast, organized and digital response to crimes and emergencies. Police drones will be immediately dispatched to crime scenes, allowing authorities to track suspects in real time. If successful, the drone policing system will be expanded to other parts of the province.

A key decision of the meeting was to introduce the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025. Under this law, the government will re-examine and test 1 million licensed weapons across Punjab. The act will be implemented in three phases: surrender of illegal weapons, their destruction, and strict enforcement of arms laws.

Illegal arms holders have been given 15 days to surrender. Authorities will also conduct a comprehensive check of all licensed weapons, verifying both the owners and the issuers. The government will liaise with federal authorities to verify federal arms license holders residing in Punjab.

Going forward, only police personnel and registered security guards will be allowed to carry weapons. Private security companies will have to register under the new provincial regulations, and their guards will be linked to the Punjab Police Helpline 15 for better coordination. A dedicated section will be created for related policing activities.

To further curb arms smuggling, the government will install modern arms scanners at 14 major entry and exit points across Punjab. Arms smuggling will now be punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Additionally, the annual arms license fee will be doubled in an effort to discourage the proliferation of weapons.