While the ministry of interior used to be the only authority in Pakistan that could issue arms licenses and regulate matters of arms and ammunition, the recent collaboration of NADRA and the Interior Department of Punjab introduced a modern system of managing and governing arms licenses.
The advanced system introduced by NADRA is essentially a computerized platform that makes it easy for members of the public to renew their current arms license, or even cancel it if required. Of course, it is worth noting that you can’t use this system to make a brand new license at present.
The new system is called Computerized Arms License System (CALS), and it will apparently take 12 months, or even two years, to renew your license as it is computerized after manual verification from the local Distric Coordination Officer (DCO), or the original issuer of arms licenses.
CALS is going to play a massive role in curbing the generation of fake arms licenses and providing a satisfactory way of tackling crime. In fact, the significance of making the process a more secure and efficient one was the underlying reason behind the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that NADRA signed with the Punjab government for the creation of a computerized arms license system in the province.
In the first phase, smart cards will be issued that will replace the traditional arms license cards in 9 districts of Punjab, as well as in Lahore, Sargodha, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Sukkar, Islamabad and Karachi.
The smart cards will feature verification of the applicant through NADRA’s Verisys, weapon owner trackability through CNIC, machine readability via barcode integration, and secure lamination on both sides. Needless to say, it has been propped up with sufficient security features to make it as foolproof and secure as possible.
The following is a run-down of how you can apply for renewal of arms license:
- Pay a non-refundable license fee of PKR 1,400 in UBL Omni
- Submit your application for arms license in your respective DCO’s office
- Visit the nearest NADRA center to submit original deposit slip, original copy of old arms license and two recent passport size photographs
- Upon complete attestation, you will be given a token, after which you will have to go through bio-metric verification, digital photography and similar systems to complete your application
Finally, upon successful completion, you will be handed over your new computerized permit and your old one will be duly cancelled. For more information, you can visit https://www.nadra.gov.pk/
