Karachi (HRNW): The Sindh Home Department has imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licenses and new arms dealership licenses across the province.
According to the spokesperson for the Sindh Home Minister, the ban will take effect immediately and remain in place until further orders. Under the decision, no licensing authority will be permitted to issue new arms licenses or new arms dealership licenses.
The spokesperson said exceptions may be allowed only in extraordinary and special cases, subject to prior approval from the competent authority. Such cases will require approval from the Sindh Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Sindh in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.
All relevant licensing authorities have been directed to strictly implement the decision.
Human Rights Perspective
Stricter regulation of arms licensing can contribute to the protection of citizens’ lives and property, the maintenance of public order, and efforts to prevent the unnecessary proliferation of weapons.
From a human rights perspective, however, the implementation of such restrictions should remain transparent, non-discriminatory and consistent with the law. Clear criteria, proper oversight and due process should be ensured when considering applications under the special-case provisions.
HRNW Appeal
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Disclaimer
This report is based on information provided by the Sindh Home Department and the spokesperson for the Sindh Home Minister. The human rights observations are presented as a public-interest perspective and should not be considered a final legal opinion or an official government position.
