LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Thursday declared that the provincial government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward religious militancy, warning that no armed group or organisation would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bokhari said that maintaining peace in Punjab was the government’s top priority and that decisive action was being taken against those involved in recent violent clashes.
She said the federal government would determine the fate of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in its upcoming cabinet meeting, stressing that “no rioter will ever again be garlanded and sent home.”
Bokhari revealed that several weapons used in the recent unrest were stolen from police during TLP’s 2021 protests. “Those same weapons have now resurfaced,” she said, adding that the government would ensure strict accountability for all those involved in violence.
The minister said the provincial administration had intensified its crackdown on illegal arms dealers, sealing all unlicensed outlets and cancelling 28 dealer licences. Over one million individuals in Punjab currently possess firearm licences, she added, along with 37,000 held by private security companies and 42,000 issued to institutions.
She said all licensed firearms must now be registered at government service centres, while anyone in possession of illegal weapons must surrender them immediately.
Under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a prosecution cell has been established to assess losses caused during recent riots, including damage to public property, injuries to officials, and theft of police equipment.
Bokhari said that a similar zero-tolerance approach was being extended to hate speech and the misuse of loudspeakers, warning that only Friday sermons and calls to prayer would be exempt under the Loudspeaker Act.
She urged citizens to report information about extremist activity or illegal arms possession via helpline 15, assuring that terrorism charges would be filed against offenders while keeping informants’ identities confidential.
The minister added that hate-inciting posters and banners would be removed across Punjab and that the government was gathering data on undocumented foreigners operating businesses in the province. Afghan nationals residing illegally, she said, would be repatriated soon.
