The Sindh government has imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licences across the province. The ban will take effect immediately and remain in place until further orders.
According to a spokesperson for Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, no licensing authority across the province will be allowed to issue new arms licences. A complete ban has also been imposed on the issuance of new arms dealership licences.
The spokesperson said the decision has been implemented with immediate effect, and all relevant licensing authorities have been strictly directed to ensure compliance. No authority will be permitted to issue new arms licences or arms dealership licences.
According to the Sindh Home Minister’s spokesperson, permission to issue an arms licence may be granted in exceptional cases. However, prior approval from the authorised authority will be mandatory in such cases.
He clarified that even in special cases, the issuance of arms licences will be subject to the relevant rules and regulations. Such licences will require approval from the Sindh Home Minister and the Sindh Chief Minister.
The spokesperson said all relevant departments and licensing authorities have been informed about the decision and instructed to completely refrain from issuing new arms licences and arms dealership licences.
The provincial government has described the move as an important step towards further streamlining and regulating the arms licensing system in Sindh.
NADRA introduces new facility for arms licence holders
Meanwhile, services for the renewal, modification, and issuance of duplicate computerised arms licences are now also available at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices.
According to directions issued by the Ministry of Interior, citizens seeking to renew, modify or obtain a duplicate computerised arms licence should now visit the designated licence counters at NADRA offices.
In an awareness message, NADRA informed citizens that various arms licence-related services are being provided at dedicated counters in its offices.
According to the instructions, holders of arms licences that have been cancelled by the Ministry of Interior can also approach the relevant NADRA counter to apply for renewal.
Citizens can also update personal information mentioned on their arms licence, including their photograph, name, father’s name, current address and permanent address, in accordance with their identity records.