The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has simplified the firearms license process in Punjab by shifting it to a fully digital system. From April 17, 2026, citizens can now complete their biometric verification directly through the Pak ID App. This update is aimed at making the process easier for the public. People no longer need to rely on long manual procedures or visit offices multiple times. Instead, most steps can now be completed using a mobile phone and the official online system.
NADRA Simplifies Punjab Arms License Process Through Pak ID App
The main goal of this digital change is to reduce paperwork and save time for applicants. It also helps make the process more secure and organized, ensuring that citizens can complete their applications in a smoother and more convenient way across Punjab.
Online Application and Biometric Verification Through Pak ID App
Citizens in Punjab can now apply for firearms licenses online through the official Punjab Firearms License website at https://pal.nadra.gov.pk. The process is fully digital, which means users can complete their application from home without needing to visit government offices. Once the application is submitted, applicants can verify their identity using the Pak ID App. This makes the system more convenient, as both application submission and biometric verification are handled through digital platforms.
According to officials, this integration of online application and mobile verification will make the overall process smoother. It is expected to reduce delays, minimize manual errors, and improve transparency in how firearms licenses are issued in the province.
End of Manual Firearms Licensing System in Punjab
Before this change, the Punjab Home Department had already stopped all manual firearms licensing procedures in November 2025. This decision also included ending manual renewals and older computer-based systems that were being used earlier for processing licenses. At the same time, the department cancelled all previous instructions related to those outdated systems. This step was taken to fully shift the process toward a more modern and organized digital setup across the province.
However, people who already had manual firearms licenses were not left out. They were given a limited window to update and move their records to the new computerized system. Overall, this transition was part of a larger effort by the government to modernize administrative processes in Punjab and make official systems more efficient and easier to manage.
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Along with introducing the new digital licensing system, the Punjab Home Department has also strengthened monitoring of firearms records across the province. Officials have requested detailed progress reports from divisional commissioners and judicial additional secretaries to ensure proper oversight. These reports specifically include data on firearms licenses processed between March and November 2025. The authorities are also reviewing ongoing efforts to recover illegal weapons as part of province-wide enforcement actions.
At the same time, the government is closely tracking the deweaponization campaign to improve public safety and ensure that all records are accurate and properly maintained. This step is meant to create better coordination between departments and strengthen control over licensing data. With this digital upgrade, Punjab aims to make the firearms licensing system more transparent, secure, and efficient. The integration of the NADRA system with the Pak ID App is expected to reduce delays caused by manual work and improve overall governance in the licensing process.
