Islamabad (NNP) Pakistani authorities have announced new regulations for obtaining firearms licenses. Under the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Interior, citizens seeking to possess both non-prohibited and prohibited bore weapons must adhere to a stringent set of conditions.
Applicants must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid Identity Card or NICOP. They must also not be deemed inappropriate by local police nor affiliated with any proscribed organizations or anti-state activities. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate physical, mental, and psychological fitness to bear arms.
The process for obtaining an arms license involves seeking approval from the Ministry of Interior, followed by the issuance of a letter of approval. This approval is then uploaded onto the NADRA system through an online procedure by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Biometric data of the licensee is collected, and a demand notice is issued by NADRA. After purchasing arms from authorized dealers and registering them, the demand note is submitted to the concerned DC office for registration before being sent to NADRA for the issuance of the license.
Several documents are required for the issuance of a new arms license, including a handwritten or typed application addressed to the Section Officer (Arms), a photocopy of the Identity Card, a Police Clearance Certificate, and an affidavit attested by a Notary Public. Filer documents may also be required.
The fee structure for new arms licenses varies depending on the type of license sought. For prohibited licenses, the total fee is 28,000 rupees, while for non-restricted licenses, it is 14,000 rupees. However, applicants who fulfill the prescribed tax threshold may be eligible for a fee reduction.
These new regulations aim to ensure that firearms are only in the hands of responsible individuals who meet strict criteria, thereby promoting public safety and accountability.
