The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior has instructed the government to issue arms licenses to Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), citing security concerns faced by lawmakers, particularly those from tribal districts and major urban centers.
The directive was issued during a committee meeting chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz, where Interior Ministry officials provided a briefing on the matter. The discussion revolved around ensuring the security of lawmakers and addressing delays in the issuance and renewal of arms licenses.
Why MNAs Need Arms Licenses?
Committee member Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that many MNAs hail from tribal districts, where security threats are a serious concern. He argued that lawmakers should be allowed to carry weapons legally to ensure their safety.
Security threats are real for lawmakers, especially those from sensitive areas. Immediate steps should be taken to provide them with arms licenses,said Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Chairman Raja Khurram Nawaz supported the demand, stating that at the very least, MNAs should be granted the right to legal firearm possession.
Business Community & Taxpayers Also Seek Arms Licenses
The discussion extended to the business community and high taxpayers, who also face security challenges due to their financial status.
Taxpayers and businessmen are the backbone of our economy. If someone is paying billions in taxes, can’t they even be granted this basic security convenience?questioned Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Committee member Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan highlighted that many MNAs from Karachi had their licenses expire due to delays in the renewal process, which left them vulnerable.
Issues with License Renewal Process
One of the key issues raised was the delay in license renewals, with committee members criticizing the Interior Ministry’s policy on expired licenses.
Even when someone comes for renewal after two years, they face hurdles. Why make the process so complicated?asked Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
In response, Interior Ministry officials clarified that if an arms license remains unrenewed for five years, it is considered invalid and cannot be renewed. This led to further dissatisfaction among committee members, who demanded a simpler and more efficient renewal system.
Previous Ban on Arms Licenses
It is important to note that the Ministry of Interior recently imposed a ban on issuing all types of arms licenses due to complaints about the issuance of fake permits. This decision had affected many individuals, including politicians and business figures, who depend on licensed weapons for security.
Key Directives from the Committee
Following intense discussions, the Standing Committee on Interior made the following recommendations:
MNAs should be granted arms licenses for personal security.
The renewal process for existing licenses should be streamlined to avoid unnecessary delays.
The business community and taxpayers should be given security considerations regarding arms licenses.
A transparent mechanism should be introduced to prevent fake license issuance while ensuring legitimate applicants receive approvals.
Will the Ban Be Lifted?
With this directive from the National Assembly Committee, it remains to be seen whether the Interior Ministry will reconsider its ban on issuing new arms licenses. The decision is expected to generate political debate, as critics argue that expanding firearm access could lead to misuse, while supporters claim it is essential for personal security in a volatile environment.
A Controversial Yet Pressing Issue
The demand for arms licenses among MNAs reflects the growing security concerns faced by lawmakers, businessmen, and taxpayers. While the Interior Ministry’s previous ban was intended to curb fake permits, the committee’s directive now puts pressure on authorities to reconsider the policy and introduce a balanced approach that ensures both security and regulation.
