In a significant move, the interior ministry of Pakistan has implemented a nationwide ban on the sale of firearms, with the exception of those produced by the Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF). A notification issued by the ministry declares that receipts from dealers, excluding those from the POF, will be considered invalid for arms transactions.
According to the notification, dealer receipts are not acceptable, and arms dealers are prohibited from selling banned bore weapons. The new directive mandates that weapon holders must exclusively procure arms from the POF. Any acquisition from other dealers will render the transaction ineligible for an arms license.
The prevalence of firearms in Pakistan has been a longstanding concern, with an estimated 38 million firearms in the country, translating to one firearm for every four people, as reported by a 2016 study by the Small Arms Survey. This high rate of gun ownership contributes to a significant level of gun violence, making it a leading cause of death and injury.
The impact of widespread weapons ownership is profound, leading to increased criminal activity, a climate of fear, and overall insecurity. Despite previous efforts by the government, such as a 2017 campaign to collect illegal weapons, the impact on reducing the prevalence of firearms has been limited. Additionally, existing laws to regulate the sale and possession of weapons have faced challenges in effective enforcement.
The recent ban on the sale of firearms, excluding those from the POF, aims to address the issue of unregulated arms transactions and enhance control over the distribution and ownership of firearms in Pakistan. The move is expected to have implications for public safety and security, influencing the dynamics of gun violence in the country.
