Punjab Government Launches Unprecedented Crackdown to Restore State Authority and Rule of Law

Lahore, October 16, 2025:
In a historic and uncompromising move to re-establish the writ of the state, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a sweeping crackdown aimed at curbing extremism, lawlessness, and anti-state activities across the province.

Chairing a high-level meeting on law and order in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that no group or individual would be allowed to challenge the authority of the state. She directed all law-enforcement agencies to ensure immediate and decisive action against elements involved in spreading hatred, inciting violence, or damaging public property.

The Chief Minister declared that the Punjab Government would formally recommend to the Federal Government a ban on a radical organization found involved in incitement, hate propaganda, and violation of national security laws. “No one is above the law. Those responsible for creating chaos or attacking our police and government institutions will face justice under anti-terrorism laws,” she asserted.

According to official sources, the government has decided that the leadership of the extremist group will be placed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, while its assets and properties will be transferred to the Auqaf Department. A complete ban will be enforced on the group’s banners, posters, advertisements, and all promotional materials, and their social-media accounts spreading hatred will be blocked immediately. The group’s bank accounts and those of its affiliates will also be frozen, and violators of the Loudspeaker Act will face the strictest action.

Furthermore, individuals involved in attacks on police personnel, destruction of public property, or violent demonstrations will be tried in anti-terrorism courts. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that Punjab’s peace and security would not be compromised at any cost.

In a parallel move, the Punjab Government has decided to bring Afghan nationals residing in the province into the tax net and prepare real-time data on illegal immigrants. To strengthen public cooperation, a Whistleblower System will be introduced, allowing citizens to report information about illegal foreign residents or their businesses, with complete confidentiality ensured for informants.

A comprehensive combing operation is set to begin against unregistered foreigners and their commercial activities, and illegal residents will be deported immediately in accordance with the Federal Government’s policy.

The provincial Home Department has also ordered a massive campaign for the recovery of illegal weapons, giving citizens a one-month ultimatum to register their legal arms through official service centers. After the deadline, strict punitive action will follow. The government has directed the inspection of all arms dealers’ stock inventories, while the issuance of new weapon licenses has been completely suspended.

Additionally, the Punjab Government has recommended that the Federal Government regularize all arms factories and manufacturers operating in the country. The punishment for possession of illegal weapons has been increased to fourteen years of imprisonment and a fine up to Rs. 2 million, making it a non-bailable offense.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed that these decisions marked the beginning of a new era of discipline and justice in Punjab. “The days of chaos, hate, and impunity are over,” she said. “Punjab will now stand as a model province for stability, rule of law, and protection of citizens’ rights.”