LAHORE: The Punjab government has prepared the final draft of the amendment bill in the Punjab Arms Ordinance 1965, under which for the first time in the history of the province, possession of illegal arms will be a non-bailable offence.
The bill also proposes stiffer penalties and heavy fines. The “Punjab Arms (Amendment) Act, 2024” will soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
Under the “Punjab Arms (Amendment) Act 2024”, possession of all types of unlicensed arms will be a non-bailable offence. According to the Act, possession of a non-prohibited weapon (pistol, etc.) and its ammunition without a license is a non-bailable offense punishable with a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh. In case of non-payment, another 6 months imprisonment will have to be served.
Possession and exhibition of arms and ammunition without license is a non-bailable offense with a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 7 years and a minimum of 20 There will be a fine of Rs.1 lakh and in case of non-payment, 6 months imprisonment. Possession of prohibited weapons (Kalashnikov etc.) without license is also a non-bailable offense and shall be punishable with minimum 4 years and maximum 7 years while The fine will be at least 20 lakh rupees. Manufacturing, repairing arms and ammunition and operating a gun shooting club without license shall also be a non-bailable offense punishable with a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 7 years and 30 lakh will be fined.