Owing to mismanagement and an ambiguous policy of the Interior Ministry, weapon licence seekers and those wanting to renew their licences are facing multiple problems, Pakistan Today has learnt.
There is no clear policy of the ministry and NADRA regarding renewal of licences while on the other hand some officials are also involved in fake license revalidation. On Wednesday night, Federal Investigations Agency (FIA) arrested two senior officers of NADRA from its headquarters for their alleged involvement in a fake licence scam.
“I visited a NADRA office in Lahore for renewal of my pistol’s license, but I was told that licences’ renewal is banned. Then, I moved to Islamabad but here too I am being asked to visit after June 30,” said Ali Arshad, while talking to Pakistan Today at an outlet of NADRA in Jinnah Super Market. When Pakistan Today inquired about the policy of Interior Ministry from the NADRA officer dealing with revalidation of licences at the said outlet, he said that the director general concerned verbally informed him that there is a ban on renewal of licences till June 30. “I’m doing what I was told to do. I was asked only to revalidate old licences. Whenever I am asked to renew licenses I will happily oblige,” he said. Responding to a query, he said, under the policy, all expired licences till June 30 would be treated as valid.
On the other hand, a number of people, who wanted to get their licenses renewed, expressed dissatisfaction over the ambiguous policy. “I have no idea what type of policies they are adopting. Despite having a genuine license, we are facing problems,” said Liaqat Naz, who visited the said outlet for renewal of a 12-bore gun license.
Another applicant seeking a licence renewal said, “When NADRA officials are unaware about the notification of the ministry, how could we convince police officials deputed at spot checking that we are allowed to carry weapons.”
Meanwhile, NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik said there is no ban on renewal of licenses. He said the G-10 NADRA office is supposed to renew licenses. “Due to some reasons, we have slowed down the renewal process. But, it doesn’t mean we are not renewing licenses. Our G-10 office is dealing with the matter. If anyone wants to get his licence renewed, he may visit that office,” Malik said.
Sources in NADRA said some officers are involved in revalidation of bogus documents. They alleged that after getting hefty bribes, some officers were revalidating licenses. However, the NADRA chief differed, saying he has been keeping an open eye on all affairs in his organisation.
“I myself got two senior officers arrested, who were allegedly involved in a scam. Currently, FIA is investigating them,” he said. Sources said director Faisal Zameer and one of his deputies, who enjoy political backing, revalidated dozens of prohibited and non prohibited bore weapons licenses.
Weapons’ license renewal a headache!
