Deadline for computerisation of arms licenses extended till Feb 29

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior on Wednesday extended deadline for computerization of arms licenses from January 31 to February 29.

This deadline encompasses all Pakistan for renewal of arms licenses, specifically issued by the Ministry of Interior.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was assigned the task to computerize arms licenses issued by the Ministry of Interior. It has processed more than 109,863 applications.

This project did not cater for the computerization of manual licenses issued by the provincial governments, the official added.

According to NADRA, the Authority is issuing a new card with new weapon details. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure of centres, equipped by trained and qualified manpower with the capability and capacity to develop and manage Arms License Management System.

The process is aimed at providing transparency and authenticity of arms license and checking illegal weapons. Proper data will be available with the Ministry of Interior after computerization.

The Authority is only processing arms licenses on behalf of the Interior Ministry, however, the approval of each arms license application is the sole discretion of the Ministry. The NADRA is only processing the applications duly approved by the Interior Ministry.

Original Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and original licenses (alongwith photocopies) are pre-requisite for revalidation alongwith application form available at NADRA centres and Ministry's website.

Around 164 designated centres across the country are busy in completing the task. Each centre has a separate counter to receive applications for computerization of arms licenses. Some 62 centres have been established in Punjab, 35 in Sindh, 33 in Balochistan, 32 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

Fee for a computerized arm license is Rs 1,100 (Rs 100 for government and Rs 1,000 as NADRA fee) for Prohibited Bore and Rs 600 (Rs 100 for government and Rs 500 for NADRA) for Non-Prohibited Bore license.

Original arms license booklet, retained by the NADRA, is forwarded to the Interior Ministry for post verification. For change of weapon number, make, calibre and model etc, the applicant has to approach the Ministry for necessary approval.

The provinces are also planning to launch the process for computerizing the arm licenses to curb the incidents of lawlessness.