The Islamabad police on Tuesday made it mandatory for citizens to go through 2-day training before the issuance and renewal of arms licences, the office of the Islamabad Capital City Police Officer said in a notification.

“At this stage, only the criminal record of the applicants is scrutinised without giving any consideration to the capability of the applicant,” it added.

As per the notification, the capital city police will issue NOCs to only those applicants who have the capability and requisite knowledge about the use, safety, and details of the arms they intend to use for any lawful purpose including personal safety.

The ownership of arms requires applicants to be issued arms licences as per their capability to handle the weapons, it said.

“The Islamabad Police shall provide a 02-day training program at the Shooting Ranges, managed by ICT Police Islamabad, for individuals and companies who wish to obtain and renew their Arms Licenses from the Ministry of Interior or the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, ICT, Islamabad,” according to the notification.

The police office said that the applicants in the Islamabad district will be issued arms licences after completing the mandatory training at the shooting range and receiving a training certificate.