Punjab mandates digital inventory for all arms dealers

The Punjab Home Department has mandated that all licensed arms dealers across the province maintain digital inventory records. Under this new requirement, Business Arms Licence (BAL) holders must upload complete details of their existing stock, including firearms and ammunition, to the Punjab Arms Licence (PAL) online portal by August 26.

The initiative, part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to curb the circulation of illegal weapons, requires dealers to record all subsequent purchases and sales digitally. This system aims to strengthen oversight and provide authorities with centralized, updated information regarding the legal arms trade.

Deputy commissioners in each district have been tasked with overseeing compliance and reporting on the progress. Dealers who fail to meet the deadline face potential legal consequences, such as financial penalties, business sealing, or license suspension. To assist with the transition, a training workshop on the inventory module is scheduled for August 24 at the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Auditorium.