The Ministry of Interior issued a total of 48,450 arms licenses across Pakistan during the three years preceding the nationwide ban imposed in August 2023, official data shows. During this period, the government collected Rs 43 crore 32 lakh 94 thousand 750 in licensing fees, highlighting steady public demand for legal firearms before the policy shift.

According to the figures, authorities issued 16,331 licenses for prohibited bore weapons, while 32,209 licenses were granted for non-prohibited bore firearms. The data confirms that non-prohibited weapons accounted for the majority of licenses issued nationwide.

Officials said the licensing process followed standard procedures and categories defined under existing arms rules. The revenue collected from both prohibited and non-prohibited weapon licenses matches the total amount reported by the ministry, indicating consistency in official records.

The government imposed a complete ban on issuing new arms licenses in August 2023 as part of broader efforts to tighten internal security and curb the misuse of weapons. The restriction applies nationwide and remains in force to date.

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Authorities have clarified that the disclosed figures only reflect licenses issued before the ban took effect. No new licenses have been approved since the suspension, and the government has not shared any timeline or conditions for lifting the restriction.

Security officials believe the move has helped improve monitoring and control of firearms across the country. However, the data also highlights the scale of legal weapon ownership prior to the ban.

For now, individuals seeking new arms licenses will have to wait, as officials say any future decision will be linked to the evolving security situation and policy reviews at the federal level.