Security concerns emerge over weapons clearance at Peshawar airport

Serious questions have been raised over the clearance of prohibited-bore and advanced weapons at Peshawar Airport after several weapons

ISLAMABAD: Serious questions have been raised over the clearance of prohibited-bore and advanced weapons at Peshawar Airport after several weapons were allegedly processed without complete verification and the required documentation.

The reported irregularities involve weapons including Steyr and Christensen Arms rifles. The case has prompted concerns about compliance with security and customs procedures at a sensitive international airport and has led the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take departmental action against officials allegedly linked to the clearance process.

According to preliminary information, authorities have identified several shortcomings in the handling and verification of the weapons.

One of the major concerns relates to the alleged failure to properly verify the serial numbers of the weapons. Sources said the arms were also not subjected to the required level of physical examination before being cleared.

Such procedures are considered important for establishing the identity and legal status of imported or transported weapons. Any failure to verify serial numbers, supporting documents and physical details can make it difficult for authorities to determine whether weapons have been lawfully imported and cleared.

The reported incident has therefore raised questions about the effectiveness of existing checks at the airport and the coordination between departments responsible for customs clearance, security and law enforcement.

The FBR has reportedly taken departmental action following the discovery of the alleged irregularities. One Appraising Officer and two Inspectors have been suspended in connection with the matter.

An FBR suspension notification dated February 16, 2026, issued under the applicable Efficiency and Discipline Rules, has been cited in connection with the action. The suspensions are part of the department’s response while the circumstances surrounding the clearance process are examined.

Sources have also indicated that the investigation may extend beyond the officials already facing departmental action. Further arrests or action against other individuals are reportedly being considered as investigators examine whether additional people were involved.

Authorities are also looking into the possibility that the alleged irregularities may involve coordination between individuals from different departments or outside parties. However, the nature and extent of any wider network have not yet been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The case has highlighted concerns about the need for strict compliance with weapons-clearance procedures at airports and other sensitive entry points.

Security experts have called for stronger monitoring mechanisms to prevent negligence, corruption and unauthorised clearance of restricted weapons. They have suggested greater use of digital systems, biometric verification and automated checks to reduce the possibility of human error or manipulation.

Experts have also proposed cross-checking weapon serial numbers against relevant national and international databases, along with centralised monitoring of the clearance process.

Such measures, they said, could provide authorities with a more reliable record of weapons entering or passing through the country and help identify discrepancies at an early stage.

The incident has also prompted calls for greater accountability where mandatory procedures are not followed. Officials responsible for verification and clearance may face further departmental or legal action depending on the findings of the investigation.

Authorities are continuing to examine the documentation, clearance records and other available evidence to determine how the weapons were processed and whether any laws or official procedures were violated.

Further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.