Daily Times

In line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Safe Punjab Vision,” Punjab Police has launched an intensified crackdown on illegal weapons. Indiscriminate operations in Lahore and various districts have led to the recovery of large quantities of illegal arms.

According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, this year, a total of 1,581 Kalashnikovs, 39,818 pistols, 3,398 shotguns, 2,982 rifles, and 744 revolvers have been seized from suspects across the province. Additionally, approximately 300,000 bullets and cartridges have also been confiscated. In Lahore, police recovered 127 Kalashnikovs, 8,543 pistols, 593 rifles, 323 shotguns, 100 revolvers, and nearly 48,000 bullets and hundreds of cartridges from suspects.

Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, directed indiscriminate action against individuals displaying weapons publicly. He emphasized the need for swift legal action against those involved in aerial firing. IG Punjab further instructed that individuals promoting weapons through social media and TikTok videos be brought to justice without exception. He also called for regular inspections of weapon dealers’ licenses and stock. IG Punjab directed regional and district police officers (RPOs and DPOs) to submit weekly reports on the crackdown against illegal weapons to the Central Police Office.

Separately, on the directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, police teams are actively working to combat smog and protect the environment. Strict actions under a zero-tolerance policy are being taken against violators of smog SOPs. Punjab Police spokesperson said that during the last 24 hours, six cases were registered across the province, and suspects were arrested. Additionally, 479 individuals were fined Rs. 9.62 million, and 40 were issued warnings. Violations reported included 15 incidents of crop residue burning, 387 of excessive smoke emissions from vehicles, 4 industrial violations, 5 violations at brick kilns, and 13 other offenses. This year, the anti-smog crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 3,716 suspects and the registration of 3,735 cases. Warnings were issued to 7,380 individuals, while 37,975 were fined over Rs. 95.6 million. Reported violations include 2,049 cases of crop residue burning, 33,001 of excessive vehicle emissions, 364 industrial violations, 1,395 at brick kilns, and 360 at other sites. Spokesperson further shared that in the last 24 hours, challans were issued to 5,232 smoke-emitting vehicles, 405 were impounded, and fitness certificates of 5 vehicles were suspended. This year, challans have been issued to 859,528 vehicles emitting excessive smoke, 169,881 vehicles have been impounded, and 10,094 vehicles had their fitness certificates suspended.

IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has instructed teams to intensify the anti-smog crackdown across highways, industrial zones, agricultural fields, and other locations. He also directed that reports on smog SOP violations be regularly submitted to the Central Police Office.