The Sindh government has imposed a province-wide ban on the issuance of new arms licences. The decision took effect immediately and also covers new arms dealership licences. According to a statement from the spokesperson for Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, the ban will remain in place until further orders.
Under the new decision, licensing authorities across Sindh must stop issuing new arms licences. The provincial Home Department has also directed officials to suspend new licences for arms dealers.
What the Sindh Government Announced
The Sindh Home Department said the restriction is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen firearm regulation and control across the province. The department has instructed all relevant licensing authorities to follow the new orders.
The ban applies to new arms licences and new arms dealership licences. However, the latest announcement does not state that existing valid licences have been cancelled.
The government has also not clarified how the ban will affect pending applications. Applicants should wait for further official instructions before assuming that their applications will be approved.
Exceptions for Special Cases
The Sindh government has allowed limited exceptions for special cases. According to the Home Minister’s spokesperson, authorities may issue an arms licence in exceptional circumstances after receiving prior approval from the competent authority.
Depending on the applicable rules, approval from the Sindh Home Minister or Chief Minister may be required. This exception does not mean that applicants can obtain new licences through the normal process during the ban.
What Happens to Existing Licences?
The latest statement focuses on the issuance of new arms licences. It does not announce a general cancellation of existing valid licences.
The position of current licence holders will therefore depend on the applicable laws and any future instructions from the Sindh Home Department. Licence holders should follow official guidance regarding renewals, verification, and other licensing matters.
What Happens Next?
The ban will continue until the Sindh government issues further orders. Officials have not announced an end date or confirmed when normal applications for new arms and dealership licences will resume.
The Sindh Home Department’s Arms Section provides information about licensing procedures, verification, renewals, and special approvals. Applicants seeking clarification should contact the relevant licensing authority rather than assume that an existing application will be approved.
The latest decision follows earlier changes to Sindh’s arms licensing policy. In July 2024, the provincial government announced that a previous ban on issuing arms licences at deputy commissioner offices would be lifted from August 1, subject to the prescribed quota under the Sindh Arms Rules, 2018.
The September 2026 announcement introduces a fresh province-wide suspension of new arms and dealership licences. Further official instructions will clarify how the policy will be implemented.
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