By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: – The Punjab government has taken a major step by stopping the computerization of old manual arms licenses across the province, according to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department.
The spokesperson said that the verification and computerization process of manual weapons licenses has been immediately suspended. The provincial government had earlier given individuals, institutions, and security companies a final opportunity to convert their manual arms licenses into computerized ones, but that process is now officially on hold.
Under the new directive, the revalidation and digitization of all individual, institutional, and security company arms licenses have been completely stopped. The Home Department has issued fresh instructions, declaring all previous notifications null and void.
According to the new order, divisional commissioners and additional secretaries (judicial) have been instructed to submit detailed reports on arms licenses that were computerized between March and November 2025. In addition, the department has also called for updates on the ongoing de-weaponization campaign, including data on surrendered illegal arms across Punjab.
All commissioners and deputy commissioners have been directed to submit comprehensive reports by the evening of November 13. The Home Department has also sought complete details of pending applications and issued orders from March to November 2025.
It may be recalled that Punjab’s arms license computerization program was first launched in 2016, with the final deadline set for December 31, 2020. Those who failed to get their manual licenses computerized by that date saw their permits automatically canceled.
In this latest move, the Punjab Home Department has sent a new circular to all divisional and deputy commissioners, emphasizing strict compliance with the fresh decision. The action is part of the province’s broader effort to review and regulate firearm licensing and ensure transparency in arms record management.
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