Senate body warns of firearms licence cancellation of non-filers

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has expressed strong displeasure and directed the authorities to initiate action against non-tax filers holding firearms licences, ordering the issuance of notices with a warning of possible cancellation.

The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem at the Parliament House, discussed issues including criminal gangs operating in riverine areas and the issuance of firearms licences to non-filers.

During the briefing, the committee was informed that in 2024, a total of 2,962 non-filers and 189 tax filers were issued firearms licences, while in 2025, licences were issued to 2,696 non-filers and 848 filers.

Taking exception to the figures, the committee chairman questioned why non-filers were being granted firearms licences, stating that individuals who do not pay taxes should not be permitted to possess weapons.

He directed that the licences of non-filers be cancelled.

Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry told the committee that a large number of firearms licences had been issued in previous governments, but the current administration had adopted a strict policy.

He said prohibited-bore licences were now being issued only to eligible individuals and that significantly fewer licences were being issued compared to earlier periods.

The committee chairman reiterated the directive to cancel licences of non-tax filers. In response, the minister suggested that immediate cancellation should be avoided and that licence holders be given time to become tax filers.

Following deliberations, the committee decided that all non-filers holding firearms licences should be served notices and given a specified period to regularise their tax status. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of their firearms licences.