The Sindh government has imposed an indefinite ban on the issuance of new arms licences across the province.
The Arms Section has been closed on the orders of the provincial home minister, while Section Officer Taimoor Altaf Memon has been removed from his post.
The Services, General Administration and Coordination Department issued a notification regarding the decision on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Services for the renewal, modification and issuance of duplicate computerised arms licences are now also available at the 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.
NADRA said that any changes to retainer details, referring to information about the person authorised to possess the weapon, must first be processed through the Ministry of Interior.
Citizens have been advised to bring all required documents along with their previous arms licence card to complete the process of obtaining a duplicate licence.
NADRA has also provided its 1777 helpline and website to assist citizens and provide further guidance regarding these services.
NADRA opened a new centre in Islamabad for citizens seeking services related to federal arms licenses issued by the Ministry of Interior.
According to NADRA, all federal arms licence services have now been shifted to the Pakistan Aasaan Khidmat Centre in Sector G-9, Islamabad.
Previously, people could visit the NADRA Mega Centre in Blue Area or the NADRA Regional Head Office in G-10 for these services. However, citizens seeking federal arms licence services will now have to visit the newly designated centre in G-9.
