The decision has created fresh uncertainty for citizens and institutions holding these permits.

The Punjab government had earlier given a final chance to all individuals, institutions, and security companies to convert their manual arms licences into computerised ones. However, the process of revalidation and computerisation has now been completely halted.

A new notification has been issued regarding individual and security company licences. The Home Department has immediately cancelled all previous orders related to manual arms licences.

All divisional commissioners and the additional secretary judicial have been asked to submit reports on arms licences computerised between March and November. Reports have also been sought for the province-wide campaign on surrendering illegal weapons and the de-weaponisation drive.

Commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab have been directed to provide detailed reports by the evening of 13 November. These include applications received and orders issued from March to November in every district.

The computerisation process originally began in 2016, with the final deadline set for 31 December 2020. Manual arms licences not converted by that date were cancelled. The Home Department has now issued a new circular to all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province.

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Punjab’s sudden halt has created confusion among licence holders. People who were expecting verification now face delays. The government appears focused on reviewing past records and tightening weapon controls. The new reporting deadlines show that more changes may follow soon.