LAHORE – The Punjab government has taken a major decision to halt the verification and computerization process of manual arms licences across the province.
According to an official notification issued by the Home Department Punjab, all procedures related to the revalidation and computerization of individual, institutional, and security company licences have been stopped with immediate effect.
The department stated that citizens and institutions holding old manual arms licences had already been given a final opportunity to get their licences computerized. However, all previous directives concerning the process have now been revoked.
The Home Department has also sought detailed reports from divisional commissioners and additional secretaries (judicial) regarding all licences computerized between March and November. Reports have additionally been requested on the collection of illegal weapons and progress on the de-weaponization campaign across Punjab.
All commissioners and deputy commissioners have been directed to submit comprehensive reports by November 13 evening, including data on applications received and licences issued from March to November.
The department reminded that the computerization of manual arms licences had originally begun in 2016, with the final deadline set as December 31, 2020. Manual licences that remained uncomputerized beyond that date were cancelled.
The Home Department has circulated the latest directives to all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners for immediate compliance.
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