The interior ministry has implemented a nationwide ban on the sale of firearms other than Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF).
According to a notification issued by interior ministry, the receipts from dealers excluding those from the POF will now be deemed invalid for arms transactions as per the directive.
The notification said that the dealer receipts are not acceptable, and arms dealers cannot sell banned bore weapons.
Weapon holders are mandated to exclusively procure arms from the POF and acquisition from other dealers renders the transaction ineligible for an arms licence.
Prevalence of Weapons in Pakistan
The prevalence of weapons in Pakistan is a major concern. According to a 2016 study by the Small Arms Survey, there are an estimated 38 million firearms in Pakistan, or one for every four people. This is a very high rate of gun ownership, and it contributes to a high level of gun violence in the country.
Impact of Weapons on Pakistan
The high prevalence of weapons in Pakistan has a significant impact on the country. Gun violence is a major problem, and it is a leading cause of death and injury. In addition, weapons are often used in criminal activity, and they contribute to a climate of fear and insecurity.
Efforts to Address the Issue
The Pakistani government has taken some steps to address the issue of weapons, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. In 2017, the government launched a campaign to collect illegal weapons, but the program had little impact. In addition, the government has passed some laws to regulate the sale and possession of weapons, but these laws are not effectively enforced.
