Sindh government bans issuance of new computerized arms licences

KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed a province-wide ban on the issuance and processing of new computerized arms licences with immediate effect.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department on September 16, 2026, the ban covers new computerized arms licences issued under Rule 3.1 of the Sindh Arms Rules, 2018.

The notification, bearing reference number SO(Arms)HD-Misc(4)/2026, states that a complete ban has been imposed on the issuance and processing of new computerized arms licences throughout Sindh.

The order, however, allows exceptions where approval is granted by the competent authority.

The notification was issued with the approval of the Sindh Home Minister and signed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Sindh.

The Home Department has circulated the order to senior federal and provincial officials and law-enforcement authorities for information and necessary action.

Recipients include the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sindh, Principal Secretary to the Governor Sindh, Inspector General of Police Sindh, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) headquarters, all commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province, and senior superintendents of police.

The directive will remain applicable across Sindh with immediate effect, subject to any exceptions specifically approved by the competent authority.

The move places a temporary halt on the processing of new computerized arms licence applications across the province while leaving the competent authority with the power to approve exceptions under the notification.