The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards promoting gun shooting clubs across major cities, including Lahore, as part of its efforts to enhance self-defense capabilities among citizens.
The Ministry of Law has drafted recommendations to amend the Punjab Arms Rules, which are expected to be approved by the Punjab Cabinet in the near future.
According to the proposed amendments, any individual without a criminal record will be eligible to apply for a gun shooting club license. The applicant must have a valid national identity card and be at least 30 years old. Those with any court convictions will be disqualified from obtaining a license.
The amendments also introduce a streamlined process for establishing gun shooting clubs, with applications to be submitted online, provided that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) are met. The approval authority for the club licenses will consist of the interior secretary, the deputy commissioner concerned, the Special Branch, and a Civil Defense Officer.
To ensure the proper functioning and regulation of these clubs, a District Inspection Committee will be formed, with the deputy commissioner serving as its convener. This committee will be responsible for conducting annual inspections of the clubs. Non-compliance with the rules could lead to the suspension or cancellation of the club's license.
The proposed amendments set the license fee at Rs50,000, with an additional Rs10,000 to be paid annually for renewal. The renewal period for the club license will be extended to five years following the approval of these amendments.
