Punjab makes digital inventory mandatory for all arms dealers by Aug 26

Punjab's Home Department has ordered every arms dealer in the province to record their current firearm and ammunition holdings, along with buying and selling records, on a digital platform by August 26. Dealers holding Business Arms Licences can do this through a new inventory module added to the provincial Arms Licence portal. The aim is to build one central electronic register covering all stock held by these traders.

Officials have instructed deputy commissioners to check compliance in their districts and to send reports once records are updated. A spokesman said dealers who miss the deadline could face legal proceedings, with licence suspension, sealed premises and fines all possible depending on the violation. Training on the module will take place on August 24 at the Punjab Forensic Science Authority auditorium, with online access offered through district offices.

The session will explain how to use the portal and give dealers a chance to put questions about the system. The measure forms part of the provincial administration's wider push to tighten oversight of weapons and ammunition and reduce illegal arms.