The Sindh government has suspended the issuance of new arms licenses for an indefinite period of time, starting from October 13, 2023. The decision was taken in order to maintain law and order in the province.
The Sindh Home Department issued a notification on October 13, 2023, informing all District Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of the decision. The notification stated that the suspension of new arms licenses was necessary to "prevent the misuse of firearms and to maintain law and order in the province."
The notification also stated that the suspension would not apply to security forces, police, Rangers, and security guards.
The decision to suspend the issuance of new arms licenses has been welcomed by many people, including civil society activists and members of the public. They argue that the ban is necessary to reduce gun violence in the province.
However, some people have criticized the decision, arguing that it will infringe on the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms.
The Sindh government has not yet announced when the suspension on the issuance of new arms licenses will be lifted.
Here are some of the possible reasons for the Sindh government's decision to suspend the issuance of new arms licenses:
- To reduce gun violence in the province.
- To prevent the misuse of firearms.
- To maintain law and order in the province.
- To prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms.
- To reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.
It is important to note that the suspension of new arms licenses is a temporary measure. The Sindh government has not yet announced when the suspension will be lifted.