Recently, I visited the Home Department to get accurate information regarding the issuance of weapon licenses. Earlier, I had shared a post stating that weapon licenses might start being issued again. The reason for that post was a notification I had read, which suggested that licenses would be processed.
After that post, several clients approached me asking for help with obtaining their licenses. I tried to assist them and even sent my associates to follow up on the matter, but the work did not progress. So I decided to visit the department personally to get exact and verified information about the situation.
After speaking with officials and reviewing the matter in detail, I learned something important.
The notification that was circulated was not meant to issue new licenses. Instead, it was mainly intended for people who already had old “copy” licenses so they could attach official stamps (tickets) to them. Through this process, the government treasury would receive additional revenue.
However, there is a major issue.
Since 2018, the system linked with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has not been accepting copy-based weapon licenses. This means that even if someone renews or stamps an old copy license, it cannot be converted into a NADRA smart card license.
There are also several other important limitations:
- Copy-based licenses are not convertible into a card-based license.
- They are not inheritable, meaning they cannot be transferred to family members after the license holder.
- They are not transferable to another person under normal circumstances.
Based on the information I gathered, I want to clarify something to all friends and clients.
Those clients from whom we had taken fees for processing licenses will receive their money back, Insha’Allah, regardless of the effort we already made. Transparency and trust with clients are always my priority.
For the general public, the reality is that weapon licenses are still largely restricted. Despite announcements that suggested licenses might be issued again, the process has not actually resumed for ordinary civilians.
Currently, licenses are more likely to be issued in limited situations such as:
- Lawyers
- Government officers
- Professionals like doctors and engineers
- Individuals who can prove serious security threats to their lives
Even in these cases, applicants often need to go through legal proceedings, and sometimes they must meet senior authorities such as the Chairman or Secretary of the department before approval.
Final Advice
For ordinary civilians, weapon licenses are still effectively closed for now. My advice is to wait until the government formally opens the process again.
Until then, it is better not to rely on rumors or unofficial claims about licenses being issued.