Arms licences’ verification: Punjab to enforce QR code-based system

LAHORE:A meeting on arms licence verification was chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal. During the meeting, he directed NADRA officials to issue QR codes for the online verification of all arms licences. NADRA has been given a one-week deadline to integrate QR codes with arms licences.

The home secretary instructed NADRA to link all arms licences with the respective holder's national identity card. Additionally, commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province were directed to ensure QR codes are incorporated into all arms licence-related orders.

Mengal stated that law enforcement agencies would be able to verify each arms licence through QR codes, ensuring transparency and eliminating fake licences. He emphasised that individuals involved in serious crimes are ineligible for arms licences and ordered a thorough scrutiny process to prevent such individuals from obtaining one.

He further mentioned that amendments to arms rules were being made to facilitate citizens, simplifying individual and business arms licence regulations. The Directorate of Monitoring’s role in licence verification is also being enhanced.

The home secretary recommended revising the fee structure for acquiring and renewing arms licences and assured that the entire process of digitising manual licences is being closely monitored. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Home Fazal Rehman, Additional Secretary Home (Judicial) Imran Hussain Ranjha, and NADRA officials.

Excise number plates scheme generates Rs109m revenue

The Excise & Taxation Department Punjab’s Vanity Number Plate Scheme has gained significant traction, generating Rs109 million in revenue within just a few months.

The scheme continues to receive an overwhelming response from citizens, reflecting its growing popularity. According to Director General Excise & Taxation Punjab, Umar Sher Chattha, the Gold Category has witnessed the successful auction of 51 number plates, while 22 special plates have been sold under the Platinum Category. The increasing demand for customised number plates underscores the scheme’s success and public acceptance.

DG Excise & Taxation further highlighted that the computerised auction of vanity number plates is not only boosting government revenue but also enhancing the vehicle registration system’s efficiency. He emphasised that the department plans to expand the scheme’s scope, enabling more citizens to avail themselves of this facility. In addition to this, the Excise & Taxation Department Punjab is actively pursuing its crackdown on property tax defaulters.

The DG Excise reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring the recovery of all outstanding property taxes by March 25, contributing to the province’s financial stability.