ISLAMABAD: An official audit has uncovered significant irregularities in the computerization of firearms licences in Pakistan, revealing thousands of suspicious records and discrepancies between licences issued by the Ministry of Interior and those computerized by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
According to the audit report, investigators identified 9,291 additional suspicious firearms licences during a review of the computerization process.
The report states that NADRA computerized more prohibited-bore firearms licences than were officially issued by the Ministry of Interior.
Audit findings show that 44,250 prohibited-bore licences were computerized, whereas the ministry’s records indicate that only 36,497 licences had actually been issued, leaving a discrepancy of 7,753 licences.
The report also found that more than 186,000 firearms licences were computerized in total, while 10,464 of those licences were later declared fake, raising concerns about the integrity of the licensing database and the verification process.
Auditors highlighted the discrepancies as serious administrative irregularities requiring further investigation.
According to the report, the administration has accepted the audit objection regarding the irregularities in the firearms licence records.
The audit has recommended a comprehensive investigation into the computerization process to determine how the discrepancies occurred and to identify officials responsible for any negligence or wrongdoing.
The findings have raised questions about oversight mechanisms governing the issuance and digitization of firearms licences, particularly those relating to prohibited-bore weapons.
Authorities are expected to review the licensing system and examine whether weaknesses in verification procedures, record management, or administrative controls contributed to the reported discrepancies.
The audit report calls for accountability and corrective measures to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the computerized firearms licensing system and to prevent similar irregularities in the future.
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