Summary for amendments to Punjab Arms Rules Ordinance, 1965 sent to CM

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has sent a summary to the Punjab chief minister for amendments to the Punjab Arms Rules Ordinance, 1965.

According to official documents, gun shooting clubs are being introduced for the first time in the province by amending the Punjab Arms Rules Ordinance 1965. Harsh punishments have been proposed for those possessing illegal weapons. According to the summary, after amendments, the punishment for possessing illegal, non-prohibited and prohibited-bore weapons has been increased from 3 to 10 years, and the fine increased from Rs1 million to Rs3 million, and it will be a non-bailable offence. In case of non-payment of the fine, the offender will have to undergo additional punishment of one year.

According to the amendment, in a more serious case, an accused would be sentenced to 10-year imprisonment, instead of 5 years, for illegally possessing both non-prohibited and prohibited-bore weapons, and he would have to pay a fine of Rs3m. In case of non-payment of fine, the offender will have to undergo two more years of imprisonment.

Earlier in the law, the illegal possession, carrying and display of a prohibited-bore weapon was punishable by 4 to 10-year imprisonment, and a fine, but the amount of the fine was not mentioned in the law.

Similarly, the punishment for illegally possessing, carrying and exhibiting a non-prohibited-bore weapon was 2 to 7 years and a fine, but the amount was not contained in the law.