By Qasim Ali
LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a major policy decision to halt the revalidation and computerisation process of manual arms licences, both individual and institutional, including those held by security companies.According to the Punjab Home Department spokesperson, citizens and institutions possessing manual arms licences were last given an opportunity for computerisation in March 2025. After the lapse of eight months, the government has now suspended the revalidation and computerisation of all such licences.A new directive issued by the Home Department has nullified all previous orders regarding the revalidation of manual arms licences for individuals and security companies. The department has also sought reports from all divisional commissioners and the Additional Secretary (Judicial) on the arms licences computerised between March and November this year.
A spokesperson for the Home Department said that reports have also been requested from commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab in connection with the ongoing de-weaponisation campaign and surrender of illegal arms. Detailed reports, including data on all applications and licences processed from March to November, were directed to be submitted by the evening of November 13.The Home Department had first launched the computerisation of manual arms licences in 2016, setting the final deadline as December 31, 2020. All licences not computerised by that date were cancelled.Earlier this year, on March 18, the government again allowed citizens to get their old manual licences computerised. Commissioners were authorised to verify each application and issue validation certificates, following which the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) computerised the records.Under the latest directive, all remaining manual arms licences will now be deemed cancelled, and licence holders have been instructed to surrender both the licences and the associated weapons to the authorities. The Home Department has issued a formal circular to all divisional and deputy commissioners to ensure compliance.
