Crackdown against illegal arms launched

LAHORE

Punjab Home Department has launched a crackdown against illegal arms trade across the province, revoking the licences of 28 dealers and sealing outlets run by unlicensed dealers.

Information Minister Azma Bukhari had announced recently that the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illicit weapons.

"No new arms licences will be issued in Punjab, and legal action will be taken against anyone involved in illegal arms trade or public intimidation via weapons," she stated.

Officials say that out of 511 arms dealers who applied for licence scrutiny, 393 have already been issued "green certificates" after full checks. Verification hearings are under way for 90 more, with 44 of those concluded and 46 pending.

Official record shows that people in Punjab possess 1,092,644 registered arms licences, including 1,012,454 held by individuals, 37,918 for security companies, and 42,272 for institutions.

The home department has partnered with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to digitise all licence data and streamline renewals.

A home department spokesperson added that regular inspections of licensed dealers are being intensified and an automated system for licence issuance and renewals is being introduced for greater transparency and efficiency.