Arms dealers ordered to digitise stock records

The Punjab Home Department has made digital inventory mandatory for all licenced arms dealers across the province, directing them to upload details of their existing firearms, ammunition and transactions by August 26.

The measure is aimed at curbing illegal weapons and strengthening the monitoring and regulation of the licensed arms trade, according to the department.

Under the new system, an Inventory Module has been introduced for holders of Business Arms Licences (BAL), requiring them to enter details of their complete existing stock as well as purchase and sale records on the Punjab Arms Licence online portal.

The department said the system would maintain a digital record of firearms and ammunition held by each dealer, along with details of transactions.

All arms dealers have been directed to register their existing stock through the Punjab Arms Licence portal by August 26.

Deputy commissioners across the province have been provided details of arms dealers operating in their respective districts and directed to ensure compliance.

The deputy commissioners will submit reports to the Home Department after dealers have updated their records.