LAHORE: A public interest petition, challenging the Punjab Arms Rules 2017, has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC). The petitioner Syed Kaswar Gardezi, has challenged the minimum age limit of 25 years required under the new rules to apply for an arms license. The petitioner has contended that the age limit of 25 years to be eligible for an arms license is an arbitrary decision of the Punjab govt and is a violation of fundamental rights.
It is also further contended that previously the minimum eligible age for an arms license was the age of majority that is 18 years. The petition states that this revision from 18 years to 25 years is manifestly contrary to law. It has also been submitted that rifle shooting has been defined as a sport under the Pakistan Sports Ordinance; therefore this revision of the eligibility criteria is a violation of Article 18 of the Constitution which protects the right of professional sports.
An identical petition filed by Rafey Saigal was also taken up simultaneously.
Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has admitted the petitions and issued notices to the respondents and also sought their reply. The case has been adjourned until September 26.
