Govt Cuts Arms License Issuance Rate by Over 90%

For context, the federal administration has cut the issuance of non-prohibited-bore arms licences by more than 90 per cent, with only 5, 700 licences issued over the past 13 months under strict criteria, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control.

Key points

• The committee was additionally briefed on an intelligence-based Sindh Police operation in District Shikarpur that led to the recovery of minor girl Huram Saeed Pathan.
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• Chaudhry informed the committee that 60 per cent of those involved in terrorism incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were Afghan nationals.
• Authorities stated there is no policy for issuing business-category arms licences in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Fata.
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Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry informed the committee. It met under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, that more than 100, 000 arms licences had previously been issued every year.

He remarked a police character certificate is now mandatory to ensure that residents with criminal records do not obtain licences.

Notably, a parliamentarian's recommendation is additionally required, with each National Assembly constituency limited to five recommendations per month.

For context, the minister continued that prohibited-bore licences are issued only to entitled persons, including parliamentarians, judges, army and police officers, and recipients of national awards.

Authorities stated there is no policy for issuing business-category arms licences in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Fata. The ministry will brief the committee on the procedure for handling special cases.

On visas for Afghan nationals, Chaudhry remarked no visa is issued without due diligence and that extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, mainly on humanitarian grounds for students and those needing medical treatment.

He remarked around one million Afghans were issued visas over two years when relations with the neighbouring country were normal. Punjab Extends Registration Deadline for Arms Dealers.

Notably, the National Database and Registration Authority informed the committee that Afghan visa applications are processed under 18 categories handled by the Ministry of Interior and four by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mainly for businesspeople and students. Nevertheless, delays are caused by security clearances.

Senator Talha Mahmood remarked there should be some relaxation in visa policy for businessmen and students.

He remarked Afghanistan is a neighbour, but its intentions are not right.

He continued that Afghan nationals were additionally involved in terrorism incidents in Islamabad and in the murder of trader Aamir.

For context, the committee was additionally informed that the Federal Investigation Agency does not routinely check passengers' mobile phones or social media accounts at airports.

For context, an FIA official remarked only passengers concerning whom the agency has information regarding human smuggling are checked. Punjab to Introduce Strict New Law Against Illegal Weapons.

He continued that the agency does not check the social media accounts of any passenger.

Chaudhry, without naming any country, remarked that when he travelled abroad with his family, all of their social media accounts were checked.

Meanwhile, the committee was additionally briefed on an intelligence-based Sindh Police operation in District Shikarpur that led to the recovery of minor girl Huram Saeed Pathan. This person was kidnapped from Karachi on March 28, 2026, and another trafficked victim, Jennifer Amir. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

For now, govt Cuts Arms License Issuance Rate by Over 90% remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.