The receipts from dealers, excluding those from the POF, will now be deemed invalid for arms transactions,” states a notification issued by the interior ministry.
Prevalence of Weapons in Pakistan
A 2016 study by the Small Arms Survey revealed a concerning statistic: an estimated 38 million firearms in Pakistan, equating to one firearm for every four people. This high rate of gun ownership contributes significantly to the country’s elevated levels of gun violence.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Despite some government initiatives, efforts to tackle the issue of weapons in Pakistan have been largely unsuccessful. A 2017 campaign aimed at collecting illegal weapons yielded minimal impact, and existing laws regulating the sale and possession of weapons lack effective enforcement.
Impact of Weapons on Pakistan
The pervasive presence of weapons in Pakistan has far-reaching consequences. Gun violence stands as a major problem, emerging as a leading cause of death and injury. Moreover, these weapons often play a role in criminal activities, fostering an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
The interior ministry has enforced a countrywide prohibition on the sale of firearms, limiting transactions exclusively to those from the Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF). The notification underscores that dealer receipts are unacceptable, and dealers are prohibited from selling banned bore weapons. Consequently, weapon holders are mandated to procure arms solely from the POF, and acquisition from other dealers will render the transaction ineligible for an arms license.