Home dept launches probe into arms licence scam

LAHORE:The Punjab Home Department has launched a crackdown on fraudulent entities involved in arms licence scams. Fake websites and social media accounts misleading citizens will be shut down, and strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.

The department has formally written to the Chairman of the PTA and the FIA Director General, urging a rigorous crackdown on bogus websites and social media accounts engaged in arms licence fraud.

A spokesperson for the home department clarified that no new arms licences have been issued in Punjab for the past year due to a complete ban imposed by the government. Therefore, any claims regarding the issuance of new licences are false and should be disregarded.

The department has also warned the general public against fraudulent elements exploiting citizens under the guise of arms licence issuance. A particular fake website, ‘Punjab Arms Licence Management Verification System’ (http://palms.org.pk), has been reported for scamming unsuspecting individuals by demanding hefty sums in exchange for fake licences.

These fraudulent platforms falsely present themselves as government-affiliated and use various mobile numbers and Easypaisa accounts to extract money from the general public. Measures are already under way to deactivate these numbers and accounts. The home department has urged PTA and FIA to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

Citizens have been advised that the only official website for arms licence renewal and modifications is: www.pal.nadra.gov.pk/pal All legitimate licencing processes are conducted online through NADRA, and any other websites or accounts claiming to offer similar services should be reported immediately. The home dept has officially issued letters to the PTA chairman and Director General (Cyber Crime) FIA, requesting immediate action.