Punjab Government Launches Drone Policing and Arms Regulation Drive to Curb Smuggling

The Punjab government has announced a major plan to curb weapons smuggling through new laws on Punjab drone policing, integrated security, and arms regulation. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on law and order to make the province free of illegal weapons.

New Arms Regulation and Security Measures

The government will review over one million licensed weapons across Punjab. It will introduce the Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act 2025, which includes three stages — return of weapons, their destruction, and strict enforcement of arms laws.
Illegal arms holders must surrender their weapons within 15 days. Authorities will also verify the owners and issuers of licensed arms. In addition, the province will verify federal arms licenses through coordination with central authorities.
Only police officers and registered security guards will be allowed to carry weapons. Private security firms must register under new provincial rules. Moreover, these guards will connect
directly with the Punjab Police Helpline 15 for better coordination.

Drone Policing and Technology Integration

Punjab will launch a pilot project of drone policing in Lahore. These drones will respond quickly to crime scenes, ensuring faster tracking of criminals. Once successful, the system will expand across the province.
Modern weapon scanners will be installed at 14 key entry and exit points to stop arms smuggling. Offenders will face up to 14 years in prison. The government will also double the annual arms license fee to discourage weapon culture.
Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz praised the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their historic struggle for freedom on Foundation Day.