Tahir Maqsood Chheena
The Punjab government’s decision to eliminate illegal weapons from the province deserves appreciation. For far too long, Pakistan’s largest province has struggled with the unchecked proliferation of arms — legal and illegal — which has eroded public safety and contributed to a culture of impunity. The latest decision, taken in a high-level meeting chaired by the provincial chief executive, signals a serious intent to restore the state’s monopoly on the use of force — a cornerstone of any functioning democracy.
Under the new initiative, Punjab will introduce fresh legislation, strengthen its regulatory framework, and integrate technology into arms control mechanisms. The Punjab Surrender of Illegal Arms Act, 2025, recently announced by the provincial police chief, is central to this policy. It will be implemented in phases: first, citizens will be asked to voluntarily surrender all illegal weapons; next, the surrendered arms will be destroyed; and finally, the provincial police will strictly enforce laws related to licensed arms. This phased strategy reflects a methodical approach to reduce weapon circulation while allowing citizens the opportunity to comply voluntarily before facing stricter enforcement.
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However, for the plan to be credible, its enforcement must be fair, transparent, and free from political bias. Recent confrontations between law enforcement agencies and certain religio-political groups have underscored the need for impartiality in the use of state power. If this disarmament campaign becomes selective — targeting some while overlooking others — it will undermine public confidence and the moral legitimacy of the state’s actions. The rule of law demands that all citizens, regardless of affiliation, be treated equally under the law.
Equally important is the question of self-accountability within the Punjab Police. The same police force now tasked with disarming civilians has itself faced growing criticism over alleged extrajudicial killings and high-handedness. The rise in so-called ‘encounters’ — often fatal — raises troubling questions about due process and human rights. If civilians are to be strictly regulated in their bearing of arms, it is only just that law enforcement officers be held to even higher standards. The state cannot credibly call for disarmament while its own agents misuse lethal force without accountability.
Therefore, the Punjab government must pair its arms crackdown with strong internal reforms in policing. This includes transparent investigation mechanisms, oversight committees, and public reporting of all police operations involving the use of force. Officers involved in extrajudicial acts should face prosecution, not quiet transfers. Only when the state enforces discipline within its own ranks will its disarmament drive gain legitimacy in the eyes of citizens.
Beyond Punjab, the other provinces must also confront the growing gun culture. In cities like Karachi, the display of weapons has become a status symbol — a dangerous one. The sight of gun-toting guards, particularly around political and business elites, not only breeds insecurity but normalises intimidation. Public spaces must be demilitarised if Pakistan is to progress towards a peaceful civic life. No one should feel unsafe walking the streets because someone else’s show of power is sanctioned by privilege.
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To address this, the government should introduce uniform standards for private security guards, including mandatory background checks, psychological evaluations, and standardised uniforms for easy public identification. Every firearm licence must undergo renewed verification under a centralised digital system. Those found using weapons to threaten or intimidate should face swift legal consequences. These measures will help distinguish legitimate security from lawless display and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
It is also time for a national conversation on gun ownership in Pakistan. The constitutional right to security belongs to every citizen — not just those with access to arms or influence. Reducing weapons in circulation is not merely about confiscation; it is about transforming a culture where violence is too often romanticised or excused. Educational campaigns, community policing, and mental health screenings for those applying for licences should form part of a comprehensive strategy.
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The Punjab government’s initiative is a step in the right direction. But its success depends on the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. To truly restore peace, the state must ensure that neither citizens nor officials stand above the law. Disarming society while arming unaccountable institutions only shifts the imbalance — it does not resolve it. Pakistan’s path to security lies not in fear or force, but in the equal and just enforcement of law for all.
