Dr Anwar says CCD empowered to launch province-wide de-weaponisation drive, to enforce state writ after deadline expires
15-day amnesty announced for surrender of illegal weapons under govt’s zero-tolerance campaign on illicit arms
LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar on Friday reaffirmed the resolve to cut gun-related crimes by 75% within four months, announcing that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the Crime Control Department (CCD) to launch a province-wide de-weaponisation campaign aimed at eradicating illegal firearms and restoring public safety.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chatha at the Central Police Office, Dr Anwar said the campaign is part of a broader effort to “enforce the writ of the state and ensure peace across Punjab.”
وزیر اعلٰی پنجاب مریم نواز کے وژن کے مطابق، پنجاب کو اسلحہ سے پاک کرنے کیلئے آئی جی پنجاب ڈاکٹر عثمان انور کی اہم پریس کانفرنس۔۔
“آئین پاکستان کے آرٹیکل 9 کے تحت ہر شہری کے جان و مال کی حفاظت حکومت وقت کی ذمہ داری ہے۔ اس ضمن میں پنجاب کو غیر قانونی اسلحہ سے پاک کرنے کے لیئے جدید… pic.twitter.com/rIcARdW2jG— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) October 24, 2025
“Citizens have been given a 15-day deadline to voluntarily surrender all illicit and illegal weapons at CCD police stations or designated surrender centres,” the IGP said, adding that the CCD has been tasked with curbing the proliferation of unlicensed arms “through an uncompromising and transparent operation.”
Chatha assured that no legal action would be taken against those who hand over weapons within the grace period, noting that such individuals would receive legal indemnity. However, once the deadline expires, strict enforcement operations will follow, with heavy penalties for anyone still in possession of illegal arms.
Dr Anwar emphasized that the Punjab Police “will not hesitate to make the greatest sacrifices” to safeguard citizens’ lives, property, and the province’s economic stability. “Whenever investment begins to flow into the country, armed groups try to exploit unrest through violence and arson,” he said, vowing that “the authority of the state will be upheld at all costs.”
Residential plots for families of martyred police officers
Later, the IGP met the families of 12 police officers martyred during the 2021 Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests, including Inspector Shehzad Nawaz Jhumat, who was killed by armed demonstrators. Dr Anwar paid rich tributes to the fallen officers and prayed for their elevation in rank.
He directed the DPO Muzaffargarh to arrange residential plots for the families of two police officers who lost their lives in accidents during the same protests and noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had recently enhanced the martyrs’ compensation package in recognition of police sacrifices.
“There can be no substitute for the sacrifices of our martyrs,” Dr Anwar said, embracing the families and presenting gifts to their children. “The Punjab Police stands united in ensuring their legacy of service and bravery endures.”
The meeting was attended by senior officers, including Additional IGs Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry and Imran Arshad, DIG Establishment-II Capt (R) Liaqat Ali Malik, DIG SPU Ghazi Mohammad Salahuddin, and others.
Separately, Dr Anwar ordered heightened security across the province for Jumu’atul Mubarak, directing DPOs to stay in the field and personally supervise security at mosques, imambargahs, markets, and key public sites.
Zero tolerance for illegal weapons: Azma
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that shops of unlicensed arms dealers have been sealed, while 28 licences were revoked under the ongoing crackdown. She added that over one million people in Punjab currently possess firearms and that no new arms licences would be issued until further notice.
“The Punjab government has zero tolerance for illegal weapons,” Bukhari said, adding that 559 suspects were under physical remand and others sent to jail. “Anyone inciting violence or forcibly shutting markets will face terrorism charges.”
