The Punjab government has decided to introduce drone policing and stricter arms regulation laws across the province as part of new security reforms.
According to media reports, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting on law and order chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Officials briefed the Chief Minister that a comprehensive verification and re-scrutiny process of licensed weapons will be carried out, while illegal firearms must be surrendered within 15 days.
Under the proposed measures, only police personnel and registered private security guards will be permitted to carry weapons. The records of firearm owners and the authorities that issued the licenses will be verified. Punjab will also review the status of federal-level gun licenses held by individuals in the province.
The meeting also resolved that private security companies will be registered and regulated, with their guards linked to the Punjab Police helpline (15) to ensure monitoring and quick response.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that a pilot project for drone policing will soon be launched to enable rapid access to crime scenes and improve real-time surveillance. The initiative aims to provide faster and digitally coordinated law enforcement capabilities.
Additionally, modern weapon-scanning systems will be installed at 14 key entry and exit points in the province to curb arms smuggling. The government also plans to double the annual arms license fee, while arms smuggling will carry a punishment of up to 14 years in prison.
The measures are part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to enhance public safety, strengthen policing, and ensure stricter firearms regulation.
