In a startling revelation that has raised serious concerns over security and accountability, arms and ammunition worth millions of rupees have reportedly gone missing from institutions operating under the Punjab Home Department. The shocking details emerged in an audit report covering the years 2021 to 2024, which was presented before the Punjab Assembly.
According to Geo News, the audit specifically highlights that the missing stock includes a significant quantity of firearms and ammunition, with the losses traced to multiple police departments across the province. The report directly implicates offices in 12 districts, including key law enforcement units such as the DIG Operations Lahore and the Police Office Lahore.
The audit has sparked a wave of questions regarding inventory management, negligence, and potential misuse of state-owned weaponry. Such a disappearance not only poses a grave internal security risk but also raises the possibility that these weapons could have fallen into the hands of criminal elements or been used in unlawful activities.
Officials are treating the situation with increasing urgency. A spokesperson from the Punjab Home Department confirmed the gravity of the issue and said that immediate action is underway. We have issued notices and sought explanations from all the subordinate institutions involved. Each department is required to account for the missing items and provide a full report,the spokesperson stated.
Despite the department’s assurance of accountability, the report has sparked outrage among lawmakers and civil society. Several members of the Punjab Assembly have called for a thorough investigation into how such sensitive material could vanish without a trace over a span of three years.
Security analysts are deeply concerned about the implications of the missing weapons. This is not just about financial loss—it’s a matter of public safety, said one senior analyst. Missing firearms in this quantity could significantly empower criminal or extremist networks if they’ve landed in the wrong hands.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Punjab is the most populous province in Pakistan and often faces challenges related to law enforcement and security. A breakdown in weapons accountability within such a crucial administrative region could have far-reaching consequences.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government is facing mounting pressure to act decisively. There are growing calls for the establishment of a high-level inquiry committee or even the involvement of federal investigative bodies such as the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) or NAB (National Accountability Bureau) to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation.
Opposition parties have seized on the issue to criticize the government’s handling of internal affairs. If the state cannot secure its own arms, how can it guarantee the safety of its citizens?a senior opposition leader questioned during the assembly session.
The incident has also triggered a broader debate about institutional reform and oversight mechanisms. Experts are recommending digitized inventory systems, stricter audits, and third-party verification to prevent such incidents in the future.
Until now, the Punjab Home Department has not provided a specific number of the missing weapons or the total monetary value of the loss, but sources suggest the figure runs into tens of millions of rupees. Law enforcement agencies across the province have been directed to conduct internal investigations and submit findings within a fixed timeframe.
This unfolding scandal is likely to dominate the provincial discourse in the coming weeks. As more details emerge, the public and media attention will remain sharply focused on the measures taken to recover the missing weapons and bring those responsible to justice.
In a country already battling multiple layers of internal security challenges, the loss of state-owned arms is not just an administrative failure—it’s a national concern.
