Sir John Pundari urges firearm surrender and warns police against political interference

Papua New Guinea Police Minister Sir John Pundari has issued an urgent appeal for citizens to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms under a national amnesty program. The amnesty is currently in effect and will conclude on September 16, coinciding with the country’s Independence Anniversary. Individuals who surrender unlicensed weapons by this deadline will avoid criminal prosecution.

Following the amnesty, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary will launch targeted operations to recover hidden weapons and apprehend those in possession of illegal firearms. The Minister noted that cash rewards previously used for voluntary surrenders will be redirected toward intelligence-led efforts to locate weapons and those harboring them.

In a separate directive regarding upcoming national elections, Sir John Pundari warned the police force against political interference. He emphasized that officers must maintain impartiality and resist outside pressure to ensure they fulfill their core duties of protecting the public and enforcing the law. The Minister stressed that maintaining public confidence through disciplined and fair conduct is essential during the heightened tensions of an election period.