New arms policy promulgated for province

PESHAWAR: The Home and Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has promulgated new Arms Policy for the Province, FATA and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA).

According to a handout issued here on Saturday, licenses of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for NBP weapons may be issued to all individuals having Computerized National Identity Card (CINC) irrespective of his district of domicile, subject to the verification by the police, for a period of one year ending in December 31 by the District Coordination Officer/Political Agent concerned, in exercise of the power delegated to them by the Home Department.

Official documents stated "In exercise of power conferred under section (II) of Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965, the competent authority has pleased to approve the Arms Policy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA and PATA".

A list, indicating details of individual licenses issued in each district/agency, shall be furnished to the Home Department on fortnightly basis, duly countersigned by the District Coordination Officers/ Political Agents concerned, to ensure that the sanctioned quota is strictly adhered to.

In case of failure powers of issuance of licenses will be withdrawn from DCO/PA. Convicts, excluding for conviction for minor offences or traffic violation, would not be eligible for arms license.

Shotgun, revolver or pistol other than prohibited bore, rifle other than prohibited bore and sword have been declared positive.

The provincial government employees who are entitled to one free NPB arms license may be over and above the fixed quota.

Explaining the policy about all Pakistan licenses, the policy stated that the validity of NPB may be extended to other provinces by the Home Department on the recommendation of concerned Coordination Officer and political agent and Commanding Officer in case of army men.

However, all licenses shall be routed through the DCO/PA who issued it. Each district. Agency shall nominate a focal person to coordinate affairs of arms licenses with Home Department.

Arms licenses of NPB of other provinces will be also be considered for extension of validity to whole Pakistan subject to the verification by a gazetted officer, members of National Assembly, Provincial Assembly or Senator.