Sindh government has imposed an immediate ban on issuing new arms licences across the province.
The restriction also applies to new licences for arms dealerships and will remain effective until further orders.
All licensing authorities in Sindh have been directed to follow the new instructions strictly.
The decision introduces tighter controls over the issuance of new Arms Licences in the province.
New Arms Licences Suspended Across Sindh
According to the spokesperson for Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, the restriction applies across the province.
No licensing authority can routinely issue a new arms licence while the directive remains in effect.
The decision has been communicated to all relevant authorities responsible for processing licence applications.
Officials have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the provincial government’s orders.
The ban also covers applications for new arms dealership licences.
The Sindh Home Department has directed authorities to stop processing and issuing fresh dealership licences.
Exceptions Allowed in Special Cases
The government has maintained a limited provision for exceptional cases.
A new arms licence may be issued in special circumstances after receiving prior approval from competent authorities.
Any exception must also comply with existing rules and regulations. According to reports, approval from the Sindh home minister and chief minister would be required.
This means routine applications for new Arms Licences remain suspended under the latest decision.
Sindh Tightens Arms Licensing Rules
The latest restrictions represent a tightening of the province’s existing arms licensing system.
Under the Sindh Arms Rules 2018, eligible individuals could previously apply for personal firearm licences. Applicants were required to meet the conditions and requirements prescribed under provincial rules.
The Sindh Home Department is also responsible for regulating licences issued to arms dealers.
The latest decision temporarily changes that process by stopping new applications from being approved routinely.
Sindh Previously Restored Licence Issuance
The provincial government has made several changes to its arms licensing system in recent years.
In July 2024, deputy commissioners were authorised to issue firearm licences from August 1.
That decision ended an earlier suspension on issuing such licences.
Sindh authorities also began digitising arms dealers’ licences during 2024. The initiative aimed to improve official records and strengthen oversight of arms dealerships.
Under the latest directive, however, routine issuance of new Arms Licences and dealership licences has been suspended.
The restrictions will remain effective until the Sindh government issues further orders.
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Exceptional applications will be considered separately and require approval under the applicable rules.
