NADRA warns of fake arms licence websites charging Punjab applicants huge fees

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) warned on Sunday, 18 October, that fake websites offering help with arms licence applications have been cheating people in Punjab. According to the APP report carried by Business Recorder, applicants were charged far more than the official fee and handed over personal details that can now be misused.

NADRA asked applicants to check the website address before filling in a form or making any payment, to use only official platforms for licence work, and to report fraud to law enforcement.

How the official system works now

Arms licensing in Punjab moved online in partnership with NADRA under the Punjab Arms Rules 2023. Manual licences had to be computerised, and the Punjab Home Department stopped the old manual process in November 2025.

• Where to apply: Daily Pakistan and The Pakistan Connect, reporting NADRA's announcements in April and August 2026, named the Punjab Arms Licence site as pal.nadra.gov.pk. Any genuine government portal ends in .gov.pk.
• Biometrics: verification is done through NADRA's own Pak ID mobile app, so there is no need to pay an "agent" to arrange it.
• Validity: a licence now runs for five years from the date it is issued or renewed, instead of expiring every 31 December.
• What you need: a copy of your CNIC, recent photographs and, if you file tax, your NTN.

How to spot a fake site

• The address does not end in .gov.pk, or it adds words such as "apply", "online" or "help" before a .com, .pk or .net ending.
• It asks you to pay by JazzCash, Easypaisa or bank transfer to a personal account or mobile number.
• It promises approval in hours, a licence without biometrics, or "no verification".
• It asks for your CNIC photos, fingerprints or a selfie through WhatsApp.
• It quotes a fee far above what the government site shows.

If you already paid

1. Stop further payments and take screenshots of the site, the receipt and any chat.
2. Report it to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) through its official complaint channels.
3. Tell your bank or wallet provider at once and ask them to block the transfer.
4. If you shared your CNIC, watch for SIMs registered in your name: send your CNIC number by SMS to 668 to see the SIMs issued against it, and report any you do not own.

Check the real fees

Before you pay anyone for a NADRA service, compare the amount with the official figure. Our NADRA fee calculator lists the current fees for CNIC, smart card, FRC and other documents, so you can see when a site is overcharging.