LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has suspended the validation and computerisation of manual arms licences across the province, effective November 11, 2025. The decision comes after a review of existing arms licence regulations under prevailing laws and rules.
Divisional Commissioners and the Additional Secretary (Judicial) have been directed to compile consolidated reports of applications received between March 18 and November 11, 2025. These reports will inform the next steps in a province-wide de-weaponisation and illegal arms surrender campaign.
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The Home Department stated that the Punjab government had previously given citizens, institutions, and security companies a final opportunity to validate and computerise manual arms licences. With the deadline passed, preparations are now underway for a strict crackdown on unlicensed weapons.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari also announced that 28 unlicensed arms dealers’ licences have been revoked and shops sealed. She noted that more than one million people currently possess firearms in the province and emphasised that all licensed weapons must be registered, adding that the government maintains zero tolerance for illegal arms possession.
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The move follows ongoing efforts to curb illicit firearms and strengthen public safety, marking a decisive step toward reducing the proliferation of unregistered weapons in Punjab.