Gun Politics in Pakistan - Licencing

Licencing

There are no restrictions on shotguns in Pakistan. The regulation of firearms in Pakistan is categorised as permissive. Pakistani citizens and special category of foreigners can legally own firearms. A license is required to purchase a firearm. Acquisition of the license involves the payment of fees, a processing time ranging from a few days to months, and registration of the firearm with local authorities. Two kinds of licenses are currently issued: (1) Prohibited bore and (2) Non-Prohibited bore. They are issued by both the Federal government and Provincial governments. The federal government issues both Prohibited bore (which includes fully automatic weapons) and Non-Prohibited bore (which includes semi-automatic and other weapons) licenses for all of Pakistan. Provincial government cannot issue Prohibited Bore licenses and their licensing jurisdiction is restricted to their particular province.

Present laws allow ownership of handguns of any caliber, though previously there existed an upper limit restriction of .38-caliber. All shotguns are allowed. Federal prohibited bore permits for civilian fully automatic weapons are issued by the Ministry of the Interior and are valid throughout Pakistan.

In Pakistan, private possession of fully automatic, semi-automatic and handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under license. Only licensed gun owners may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition. Applicants for a gun owner's license are not required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm. Third party character references are not required. Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Pakistan does not stipulate that a gun license should be denied or revoked. An understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required for a firearm license. Licensed firearm owners in Pakistan are permitted to possess any number of firearms as well as being permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition.