Authorities in Pakistan have launched a probe into the disappearance of police weapons valued at over Rs 245.5 million across twelve districts, according to the Punjab Home Department's audit report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The report revealed a significant surveillance lapse within the police stores, detailing thefts, missing arms, and ammunition that remain unrecovered. The audit exposed that several key offices have reported substantial losses of weapons and equipment.
Details of Missing Weapons
- Over Rs 83.4 million worth of arms disappeared from the Muzaffargarh District Police Officer (DPO) office between 2021 and 2023.
- The DIG Operations office in Lahore reported missing arms and ammunition valued above Rs 47.1 million.
- The Police Office in Lahore accounted for losses exceeding Rs 46.8 million.
- The Chief Police Officer (CPO) in Multan recorded missing rifles and ammunition worth more than Rs 7.4 million.
- Central Jail Lahore lacks records for rifles issued to officers in 2009.
- Other offices including DPO Sialkot, DPO Sahiwal, and DPO Okara reported losses of arms and equipment valued at Rs 5.6 million, Rs 4.3 million, and Rs 3.8 million respectively.
Inquiry Committee Established
In response, the government has constituted an inquiry committee led by the Additional IG Special Branch, alongside the Director-General Monitoring and the Additional Secretary Judicial (Home). The committee is tasked with investigating these irregularities and submitting a report within 10 days.
The Home Department clarified that it does not directly hold the weapons; they are maintained by respective law enforcement agencies, which bear responsibility and accountability. The spokesperson quoted the home secretary asserting that appropriate actions will follow against those found responsible once the committee's findings are received.
