NADRA warns citizens against fake civilian arms license websites

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Sunday warned citizens applying for civilian arms licenses to remain vigilant against unverified websites and verify web addresses before sharing money or identity details. The warning comes after reports revealed that citizens in Punjab were being defrauded through fake websites operating under the pretext of facilitating arms license applications. Applicants were being charged exorbitant fees while placing their sensitive personal data at risk of misuse. According to NADRA officials, applicants must strictly verify the official website address prior to submitting applications or making payments to protect themselves from financial fraud and potential identity theft. The authority urged the public to rely solely on official, verified platforms for all license-related transactions and report fraudulent online activities to relevant law enforcement agencies. Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's 'Safe Punjab' vision, the Punjab Police have intensified their province-wide crackdown against illegal weapons, recovering a massive cache of unauthorized arms and ammunition during the ongoing year. According to official data released by a Punjab Police spokesperson here on Sunday, police teams during various operations across the province seized 760 Kalashnikovs, 26,897 pistols, 1,342 rifles, 2,096 shotguns, and 592 revolvers used in serious crimes and illicit activities. In addition, law enforcement agencies confiscated 145,764 live rounds of ammunition during these intelligence-based operations. Sharing details of provincial capital recoveries, the spokesperson said that Lahore Police seized 22 Kalashnikovs, 118 rifles, 140 shotguns, 4,915 pistols, 108 revolvers, and 24,331 rounds of ammunition in targeted actions across various divisions. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Abdul Karim issued strict directives to all field commanders to sustain momentum against elements involved in the illegal display of weapons, aerial firing, and the illicit manufacturing, sale, and transportation of arms. The provincial police chief further instructed officers to conduct regular audits and scrutiny of arms dealers' licenses and sales registers. He directed stern legal action against individuals found promoting or advertising illegal weapons on social media platforms, reiterating that the crackdown against illegal arms dealers and criminals would continue unabated.