LAHORE – The Punjab Home Department has made digital inventory mandatory for all arms dealers across the province as part of the provincial government’s drive to create a “safe Punjab free from illegal weapons.”
Under the new system, all holders of Business Arms Licences (BAL) will be required to maintain a digital record of their complete stock and all arms-related purchases and sales through the Punjab Arms Licence (PAL) online portal.
The department said details of every firearm and ammunition item held by licensed arms dealers would be recorded on the online system, while records of all purchases and sales would also be available digitally.
Arms dealers have been directed to upload details of their existing inventory on the PAL portal by August 26, 2026. They have been urged to ensure that their stock records are complete and updated before the deadline.
The Home Department has also provided deputy commissioners with details of arms dealers operating in their respective districts. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to ensure that all dealers complete the digital inventory process and subsequently submit compliance reports to the department.
Officials warned that arms dealers who fail to upload their inventory within the stipulated timeframe could face legal action. Under the law, their licences may be suspended, their businesses sealed and fines imposed for non-compliance.
To facilitate the transition to the digital system, the Home Department is also organising a training workshop on the Punjab Arms Licence Inventory Module.
The workshop will be held at the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Auditorium on Monday, August 24, at 10:30am. Arms dealers will also be able to participate online through the offices of their respective deputy commissioners.
The training session will brief dealers on the online portal and provide them with an opportunity to raise questions and highlight technical or other issues they may face while uploading their inventory.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening oversight of arms dealers, improving digital record-keeping and enhancing monitoring of the legal arms trade across Punjab.
