Breaking News: Punjab Govt Halts Verification and Computerization of Manual Arms Licenses 2025

The Punjab Govt Halts Verification and Computerization of Manual Arms Licenses 2025 across the province. The move marks a significant shift in the Home Department’s long-running policy that aimed to transition all old manual arms licenses into a centralized, modern computerized database.

According to the spokesperson of the Punjab Home Department, all previous orders related to the computerization of old manual arms licenses have been cancelled with immediate effect. The decision applies to individual citizens, institutions, organizations, and private security companies that were previously required to convert their old paper-based arms licenses into digital smart cards.

This unexpected halt has created widespread discussion among arms license holders, administrative officials, and security agencies, especially since the government had earlier announced a final opportunity for individuals to get their manual licenses verified and digitized.

Why Punjab Halted the Computerization Process?

The Punjab Home Department has cited administrative revision, data consolidation, and irregularities in the previous computerization cycle as key reasons behind the sudden halt. The government wants to reassess the entire database of arms licenses issued in the last several decades, many of which were never updated or verified due to lack of public awareness or procedural delays.

Officials said that the process of converting manual arms licenses into computerized ones—started in 2016—had several loopholes, and thousands of cases were pending without verification.

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With the latest directives, the government has paused every step of the computerization workflow, including:

• Revalidation of old manual licenses
• Verification at district administration offices
• Conversion into computerized arms licenses
• Processing of pending requests submitted between March and November

The Home Department will now conduct a comprehensive province-wide review before taking any further action.

All Previous Orders Cancelled Immediately

One of the most important elements of the new directive is that all earlier orders related to manual license verification and computerization have been revoked.
This means:

• No further applications will be accepted
• No ongoing requests will be processed
• Old manual arms licenses will not be converted at the moment
• District-level processing offices must stop the procedure instantly

This has affected thousands of applicants who had submitted their documents recently and were awaiting approval.

Divisional Commissioners Asked for Detailed Reports

Under the new instructions, the Punjab Home Department has sought detailed reports from:

• All Divisional Commissioners
• All Deputy Commissioners
• Additional Secretary Judicial

These officials have been asked to submit complete data regarding the arms licenses that were computerized between March and November 2025. Each district has been directed to compile:

• Total number of applications received
• Total licenses processed
• Pending cases
• Cases rejected due to irregularities
• Any complaints submitted by applicants

The Home Department wants all reports submitted by the evening of November 13, indicating the urgency and seriousness of the matter.

Focus on Illegal Weapons and De-Weaponization Campaign

Interestingly, along with freezing the computerization process, the Punjab government has also demanded reports on:

• Illegal arms submitted across districts
• Progress on the ongoing de-weaponization campaign
• Details of seized and confiscated weapons
• Updates on compliance by districts

This suggests that the province is gearing up for a stricter crackdown on unregistered weapons, smuggled firearms, and unlawful possession.

Analysts believe this new move may be the first step toward introducing a revised arms licensing policy with stronger verification standards.

Background: Computerization Drive Started in 2016

Punjab had launched the arms license computerization project in 2016. Under this initiative:

• Citizens with manual licenses were instructed to apply for digital cards
• The deadline for computerization was December 31, 2020
• Manual licenses not digitized by that date were cancelled

However, due to large-scale public concerns and logistical issues, the government reopened the process several times. Many citizens who could not meet the previous deadlines applied again this year.

Now, with the new announcement, the entire process has once again been put on hold.

Impact on Individuals and Security Companies

The decision affects:

1️⃣ Individual License Holders

Many people who submitted their documents in the last eight months will now have to wait until the government announces a revised policy. Their applications will not proceed for the time being.

2️⃣ Private Security Companies

Hundreds of security companies that were processing their employees’ arms licenses will experience delays. Their operational planning—especially for guards deployed at banks, offices, and sensitive installations—may be impacted.

3️⃣ Government and Corporate Institutions

Institutions with large numbers of manual licenses will also need to await further government instructions. This includes universities, corporate offices, and semi-government bodies.

Possible Next Steps: What Happens Now?

While the Punjab government has not yet shared a new timeline, administrative insiders suggest:

• A new licensing policy may be introduced
• The entire computerized arms licensing mechanism may be redesigned
• Additional security layers and biometric verification may be added
• A fresh deadline for verification may be announced
• A new fee structure could be introduced

However, official confirmation will come only after the government reviews the reports submitted by district and divisional administrations.

Public Reactions: Confusion and Mixed Opinions

The public response to this announcement is mixed:

• Some citizens welcomed the move, saying the previous system was flawed and inconsistent.
• Others expressed concern because their applications—submitted after great difficulty—have now been frozen.
• Security companies have demanded clarity on how they should manage the arms of their deployed guards.

Many applicants worry that their manual licenses may become invalid again if the government introduces new criteria.

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Conclusion – Manual Arms Licenses 2025

The Punjab government’s decision to halt verification and computerization of manual arms licenses marks a major shift in policy direction. With all previous orders cancelled and new reports demanded urgently, it is clear that the government wants to overhaul the entire arms licensing system before moving forward.

As the province awaits updated procedures and fresh deadlines, thousands of citizens and institutions remain in a state of uncertainty. More clarity is expected once the Home Department completes its review of district submissions