Lahore:
In Punjab, illegal weapons smuggling has become a norm, creating serious concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement with regard to their ability to limit this activity. Although a large number of illegal weapons are seized, many are later legally declared on paper.
In addition, serial numbers are also changed to mask the origin of these weapons. The lack of strict enforcement has contributed to the growing extent of this business, causing many citizens to keep weapons for their own protection.
A resident of Lahore, Muhammad Usman, shared that his working line required him to regularly collect cash from Shah Alam Market and transport it either to the bank or to his home. “Due to the security risks involved, I sometimes have a legally licensed firearm for protection. Thieves and bandits often use smuggled or stolen firearms to carry out crimes. When illegal firearms are seized, the forensic laboratory documents that the unique markings of bullets are fired from these weapons,” said Uman.
According to data obtained by Express Pakinomist from police, in the first three months of 2025, 2,535 illegal weapons in Sheikhupura, 2,393 illegal weapons were seized in Lahore, 1,388 illegal weapons, 1.546 in Faaala, 897 in Rawalpindi, 1,455 in Sargodha, 897, in Rawalpindi, 1,455 in Sargododha, 1,546 in Faaaladoad, 897, in Rawal Pindi, 1,455 in Sargododa, 1,54646 in Faaaladadadadad, 844444, 1.546 in Faaaladadoadadad, 1,455 in Sargoda, 1,546, 1,546, 1,027 in Multan, 753 in Sahiwal, 833 in DG Khan and 561 in Bahawalpur, against which cases are registered.
Reportedly, the weapons of Smuggle to Punjab from Dara Adam Khel in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The AIG Police’s surveillance of Punjab, Khalid Mahmood, declared that police had launched a provincial crash against smuggling, with a large-scale weapon bracket at the moment. “Every time the police receive information, weapons are confiscated from the location and the formal cases are registered against the defendant,” Mahmood said.
On the other hand, police sources revealed anonymously that many individuals in certain areas were known to have illegal weapons. “Law enforcement is aware of who owns these weapons or is involved in their illegal trade. But if they receive pressure from higher authorities, they take action; otherwise the case is often settled quietly,” an official admitted.
It has been revealed that these dealers often gather with others to get false licenses for weapons. In addition, they plan and coordinate smuggling of illegal arms in vehicles that sometimes hide them in vegetable or trucks during transport. Alarming, if a customer requests, weapons are even provided with their families to avoid suspicion.
A Tiktoker known as Bobby Malik allegedly sold illegal weapons under the name Al-Islam-Arms using counterfeit documents. Similarly, the weapon dealer of Haji Zarwali Khan in Bhaati Gate, Lahore was sealed, and its license was suspended after it was found that a sales agent was illegally operating under the same license. Other suspended arms dealers include, Mian Khalid & Company, Katchehri Bazaar, Faisalabad, Chakwal Armory, Commercial Market, Talagang Road, Chakwal, Sarhad Arms, Marhaba Plaza, District Attock, Javad & Company, Katchehri Bazaar, Faisalabad.
Previously, the home department took strict action against 19 fake arms dealers. Punjab-Home Secretary Noor-Ul-Amin Mengal stated that selling weapons based on false licenses was a serious crime and all involved will be brought to court. “According to the Punjab Arms rules 2023, the department verifies the licenses for all arms dealers across the province. So far, 386 arms dealers have been issued computer-arms business licenses after verification. A zero-tolerance policy is implemented against false weapons licenses and false dealers,” Mengal said.
According to a spokesman for the Punjab Home Department, any weapons’ processes with these false dealers will be illegal and a legal act will be taken against those involved. The department has instructed these sealed arms dealer stores to remain closed so far.
