LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to launch a major crackdown on illegal arms possession.
The new law with stringent punishments has been approved by the provincial cabinet and has been sent to the assembly for final approval.
Under the proposed amendments, illegal arms possession can be punished with up to 14 years in prison.
The fine for possession of arms without a license, which was earlier fixed at Rs. 50,000, has been increased to a maximum of Rs. 500,000
In the case of prohibited bore weapons, the existing 14-year prison sentence can be increased to life imprisonment.
The punishment for illegal transportation of arms has also been increased from three years to a minimum of 10 years.
Possession of a fake arms license will now attract a fine and imprisonment of up to seven years, a significant increase from the current two-year term.
The revised law also includes stiffer penalties and property confiscation for those involved in the illegal purchase and sale of weapons, an area that has previously seen minimal results. Black market dealers will now face tougher legal action.
All weapons licenses will be issued under a new verification system that will be subject to strict scrutiny to prevent misuse. The courts will be given special powers to expedite trials and deliver sentences. Any violation of the law will result in immediate confiscation of weapons, cancellation of licenses, and mandatory arrest of the offender.
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