Senate Moves to Ban Arms Licenses for Non-Tax Filers in Pakistan, aiming to tighten regulations and ensure tax compliance for arms holders. The move targets individuals who hold weapons without fulfilling their tax obligations. Authorities will review licenses and suspend those issued to non-tax filers, strengthening government licensing policies.
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, highlighted that 32,000 licenses were issued to non-tax filers, compared to only 3,000 granted to compliant taxpayers. Senators, including Talha Mahmood, called this disparity alarming. They urged the Interior Ministry to enforce stricter arms license suspension measures to prevent misuse in criminal activities and arms cases.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry explained that previous administrations issued most non-filer licenses. The current government has blocked nearly 90% of new applications, allowing only tax-compliant individuals to apply. Authorities may give non-filers a limited deadline to meet tax obligations before enforcing license cancellations. This approach reinforces weapons control in Pakistan and strengthens law enforcement in Sindh and other provinces.
The committee also discussed other public safety issues, including harmonizing legislation with the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill 2026, reviewing kidnapping-for-ransom cases, and improving Katcha areas. To ensure public safety, authorities recommended vehicle window tinting rules and actively enforced Safe City cameras.
Meta Description
Senate moves to ban arms licenses for non-tax filers in Pakistan, enforcing tax compliance for arms holders and public safety.
