Punjab’s government recently approved the draft “Punjab Arms (Amendment) Act 2024,” which is going to bring strict measures for the eradication of possession of illegal arms.
Possession of illegal firearms will be a non-bailable offense for the first time in the history of this province. This law, which is to be laid before the cabinet for approval, will provide punishments along with fine proposals.
According to the amendments, the carrying or possession of unlicensed arms (including pistols & other firearms that do not qualify as prohibited weapons) will be punishable with three to five years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 million. In case of non-payment of a fine, an additional six months of imprisonment will also apply.
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Penalties for prohibited weapons such as Kalashnikovs will, however, be stricter and would range between four to seven years along with a minimum fine of Rs. 2 million. A further provision in the proposed law would include a penalty of three to seven years along with at least a Rs. 2 million fine for “showing or carrying” unlicensed weapons.
In addition, the Bill nexus proposes making manufacturing or repairing arms and running shooting clubs without a license punishable by five to seven years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs. 3 million as non-bailable offenses.