Sindh government bans new arms licences, cancels NOCs of 36 private security firms

The Sindh government has imposed an immediate ban on the issuance of new computerized arms licences across the province

KARACHI:  The Sindh government has imposed an immediate ban on the issuance of new computerized arms licences across the province as part of measures aimed at strengthening regulation of weapons and improving the overall law and order situation.

The Home Department has issued a formal notification announcing the ban, which will remain in effect until further orders. The directive has been circulated to all Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and senior police officers across Sindh for strict implementation.

According to the notification, no new computerized arms licence will be issued during the period covered by the ban. However, cases that have already obtained a special exemption with the approval of the competent authority will remain outside the scope of the restriction.

The provincial government has also decided to halt the issuance of new arms dealership licences. The move will apply alongside the restrictions placed on individual arms licences.

The latest measures come as the provincial authorities review the regulation and use of weapons amid continuing law and order concerns, particularly in Karachi. Officials have also initiated action against private security companies operating in the province for alleged violations of prescribed rules and security procedures.

Action against private security companies

In a separate development, the Sindh government has cancelled the licences and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) of 36 private security companies following inspections and scrutiny of their compliance with applicable rules, regulations and Standard Operating Procedures.

According to details shared by the Home Department, Sindh currently has 302 registered private security companies. Of these, 36 have had their licences or NOCs cancelled, while another 41 companies have been served show-cause notices and directed to explain their position.

The action indicates a broader review of the private security sector, particularly the deployment of guards, use of weapons and maintenance of records.

Official sources said violations identified during the process included the deployment of unregistered or inadequately trained security guards, possession or use of unlicensed weapons, operation with expired NOCs and failure to maintain proper records concerning arms and security personnel.

The provincial authorities have also constituted a special committee to examine the existing legal framework governing private security companies. The committee has been tasked with reviewing current laws and proposing revised and stricter SOPs for the sector.

The review is expected to cover the registration and licensing of security companies, recruitment and training of guards, weapons management and record-keeping requirements.

The government’s decision to suspend new individual arms licences and dealership licences, coupled with action against private security firms, reflects an effort to tighten oversight of weapons and security operations across Sindh.

Officials have directed the relevant administrative and police authorities to ensure strict compliance with the new instructions.

For the time being, the ban on new computerized arms licences will remain in force until further orders, while only cases specifically exempted by the competent authority will be processed.

The provincial government is also expected to use the findings of the special committee to determine whether further regulatory measures are required for private security companies and arms dealers.

The latest steps represent a significant tightening of the province’s arms and private security regulatory framework, with authorities placing particular emphasis on licensing, weapons control, trained personnel and compliance with prescribed security procedures.