Punjab halts computerisation of manual arms licenses

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab government has made a major decision to halt the computerisation of old manual arms licenses, according to a spokesperson for the Home Department.

The spokesperson said the process of verifying and computerising manual licenses has been stopped immediately. Earlier, the government had given individuals, institutions, and security firms a final chance to convert their manual arms licenses into computerized ones.

Under the new order, the revalidation and computerization of individual, institutional, and security company arms licenses have been brought to a halt. The Home Department has issued fresh instructions and canceled all previous orders in this regard.

Furthermore, divisional commissioners and additional secretaries (judicial) have been directed to submit reports on all licenses computerised from March to November. Detailed reports have also been sought from commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab regarding the de-weaponisation campaign and surrendered illegal weapons.

Officials have been told to send complete reports by the evening of November 13. They are also required to provide data on all license applications and orders issued between March and November.

It is worth mentioning that the computerization of manual arms licenses was launched in 2016, with the last deadline set for December 31, 2020. Licenses that were not computerized by then were canceled. In the latest development, the Home Department has sent a circular to all divisional and deputy commissioners across the province to ensure strict compliance.