The Home and Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has promulgated new arms policy for the province, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas.

According to the policy, the licenses of NBP weapons may be issued to all individuals having Computerised National Identity Card (CINC) irrespective of his district of domicile, subject to verification by the police, for a period of one year ending in December 31.

The licenses would be issued by the district co-ordination officer/political agent concerned, in exercise of the power delegated to them by the home department.

Official documents stated, "In exercise of power conferred under section (II) of Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965, the competent authority has pleased to approve the arms policy for KP, Fata and Pata".

It said that a list, indicating details of individual licenses issued in each district/agency, shall be furnished to the home department on fortnightly basis, duly countersigned by the DCOs/political agents concerned, to ensure that the sanctioned quota is strictly adhered to.

In case of failure powers of issuance of licenses will be withdrawn from DCO/PA.

Convicts, excluding for conviction for minor offences or traffic violation, would not be eligible for arms license.

Shotgun, revolver or pistol, other than the prohibited bore, rifle, other than prohibited bore, and sword were declared positive.

Provincial government employees that are entitled to one free NPB arms license may be over and above the fixed quota, it added.

Explaining the policy about all Pakistan licenses, the policy stated that the validity of NPB might be extended to other provinces by the home department on the recommendation of concerned DCO and political agent and commanding officer in case of army men.

However, all licenses shall be routed through the DCO/PA who issued it.

Each district and tribal agency will nominate a focal person to co-ordinate affairs of arms licenses with the home department, it added.

The official documents said that arms licenses of NPB of other provinces will be also be considered for extension of validity to whole Pakistan subject to the verification by a gazetted officer, members of National Assembly, provincial assembly or senator.