Punjab introduces QR code verification for arms licenses

LAHORE: In a recent development to strengthen the verification of arms licenses the Punjab Home Department took an important decision to offer QR code verification facility.

During a key meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Noor ul Amin Mengal, it was decided that National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will prepare and issue QR codes for online verifications of all licenses, enabling law enforcement authorities to carry out the entire verification process of all arms licenses in the most effective manner.

The Home Secretary had given NADRA a week to integrate QR codes into arms licenses and link them to the respective individuals’ national identity cards.

Furthermore, each commissioner and deputy commissioner in Punjab was ordered to add QR codes to all orders relating to arms licenses. This initiative is aimed at working for transparency in the verifications and contributing toward the elimination of fake licenses.

Besides, Pakistan’s Punjab Home Secretary pointed out that persons with severe criminality against them do not qualify to apply for arms licenses.

The Rules of Arms would also be amended in favor of the citizens to make the provisions relating to individual and business arms licenses clearer.

There would be an expansion in the role of the Directorate of Monitoring towards the verification of arms licenses and suggested a revision in the fee structuring regarding arms licensing and renewal.