Azad Kashmir Orders Mandatory Registration of All Arms Licences

MUZAFFARABAD: The Home Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has issued special instructions for the mandatory registration of arms licences and the enforcement of a new policy, aimed at curbing the use and supply of illegal weapons in the region.

Under the new instructions, all arms licence holders residing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir must register their licences at the nearest police station, regardless of the area or authority that issued them. The Home Department has directed all licence holders to complete registration immediately.

During registration, the Station House Officer (SHO) or his nominated representative will record the essential details of each licence, and the licence holder will be issued a formal registration slip. To make the process effective and transparent, verified lists will be compiled daily and sent to the concerned Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police (SPs), so that a complete record of registered arms licences is maintained.

The instructions state that all licences not registered within 10 days of the issue of the notification will be considered cancelled. In addition, persons found possessing unregistered weapons will face immediate arrest and confiscation of their weapons, along with other applicable legal action.

According to the Home Department, these special measures are being taken to prevent the use of illegal weapons in the region, their supply, and related activities. Licence holders have been asked to complete the registration of their licences within the stipulated period to avoid legal complications and possible action.