Punjab govt stops verification, computerization of manual arm licenses

LAHORE: The Punjab government has taken a major decision to stop the verification and computerization process of manual arms licenses across the province.

The Home Department Punjab, through an official notification, has ordered an immediate halt to all processes regarding the revalidation and computerization of individual, institutional, and security company licences.

It said citizens and institutions possessing old manual arms licences had already been provided a last chance to get their licences computerized. However, all previous directions regarding the process are hereby withdrawn.

The Home Department has also called for comprehensive reports from divisional commissioners and additional secretaries (judicial) regarding all licences computerized between March and November.

Reports have been requested, in addition, on the recovery of illegal weapons and the implementation progress pertaining to the de-weaponization drive throughout Punjab.

The Commission has directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to send reports by November 13 evening, providing detailed information on the number of applications received and licences issued from March to November.

The department reminded that the computerization of manual arms licences had originally started in 2016, with the final deadline as December 31, 2020. Manual licences not computerized beyond that date were cancelled.

The Home Department has issued the latest instructions to all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners for compliance at the earliest.