Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presided over an extraordinary meeting on law and order in Lahore, during which the provincial government took a series of major decisions aimed at enforcing the state’s writ and strengthening law enforcement across Punjab.
The meeting focused on tackling extremism, regulating illegal residents, and implementing stricter controls on illegal weapons. Officials described the measures as “historic decisions” designed to establish rule of law and restore public confidence in state institutions.
Ban recommended on extremist party
One of the central outcomes of the meeting was the decision to recommend a federal ban on an extremist party accused of inciting violence and hatred. The Punjab government resolved to formally request the federal government to outlaw the group under anti-terrorism laws.
It was also decided that the leadership of the extremist party will be included in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act — a move that subjects individuals to strict surveillance and travel restrictions. The meeting further directed that all properties and assets of the banned organization be transferred to the Auqaf Department.
Additionally, authorities ordered an immediate ban on the party’s posters, banners, advertisements, and social media accounts, to prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.
Immediate action against hate and lawbreaking
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed security agencies to arrest individuals involved in incitement, hate speech, and lawbreaking without delay.
Cases will be registered against involved leaders and workers under terrorism laws, and they will be tried in anti-terrorism courts. The CM emphasized that the government “will not allow any group to challenge the writ of the state.”
Action against illegal Afghan residents
Another major focus of the meeting was the presence of illegal Afghan residents in the province. The Punjab government decided to take immediate action against undocumented immigrants and ordered the preparation of real-time data on all Afghan citizens living in Punjab.
Authorities were directed to bring Afghan nationals into the tax net and initiate a combing operation against illegal residents and businesses operating without authorization.
A whistleblower system will be introduced to help identify illegal immigrants, while deportation of unlawful foreign residents was also ordered.
Stricter arms regulations and new penalties
In a major step toward curbing illegal weapons, the Punjab government approved severe penalties for possession of unlicensed arms. Under the new decision, offenders will face 14 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs2 million. The offense has been declared non-bailable.
The chief minister also ordered an immediate crackdown for the recovery of illegal weapons and directed citizens to register their legal firearms with service centers within a month.
All arms dealers’ stocks will be inspected, and a complete ban has been imposed on the issuance of new arms licenses across Punjab. The government also recommended the regularization of arms factories and manufacturers to ensure transparency and compliance.
Ensuring rule of law and public safety
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that these measures represent a strong message that the rule of law will prevail in Punjab. She directed all departments to act swiftly and transparently in implementing the decisions and assured that the government will provide full support to law enforcement agencies.
“These decisions are aimed at protecting citizens and ensuring that no one is above the law,” she said, reiterating her government’s zero-tolerance policy toward extremism, illegal residency, and crime.
