Computerisation of arms licenses: LHC directs interior ministry to file its reply by January 12

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the interior ministry to file its reply by January 12 positively, in a petition challenging computerisation of arms licenses, as law officer sought more time to file the reply. The court also held that the publication for surrendering of arms licenses should not be implemented till the next date of hearing.
The petitioners arms license holders challenged the direction of Ministry of Interior directing the license holders to surrender their licenses to Nadra by December 31. The court on previous hearing had barred the ministry from implementing the dead line of December 31.
Barrister Syed Ali Zafar submitted that the process for issuance of arms licenses, ownership of firearms, their sale, purchase and exchange as well as the issuance of ammunition was regulated and prescribed by Pakistan Arms Ordinance, 1965 and Arms Rule 1924. He said the only method of amending these rules was through a Gazette Notification.
He argued that instead of amending the rules after due consultation with all stakeholders, the government had issued the impugned directions. Barrister Zafar said although the government had issued a notification delegating powers to make rules to Nadra, this was not a notification of the rules but also was illegal because there was no power to sub-delegate.