| License Type | Govt. Fee (PKR) | NADRA Fee (PKR) | Total Fee (PKR) | Discount for Tax Filers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited Bore (PB) | 25,000 | 3,000 | 28,000 | 50% (If tax paid ≥ 100,000) |
| Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) | 12,500 | 1,500 | 14,000 | 50% (If tax paid ≥ 50,000) |
The Government of Pakistan has made some significant changes to arms license fees and application procedures for 2025. Whether you’re applying for a new license, updating your current one, or transferring ownership, this guide covers everything you need to know about the fees, eligibility, required documentation, and the updated process.
Eligibility for Arms License
To apply for an arms license in Pakistan, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of Pakistan with a valid CNIC or NICOP.
- Be at least 25 years old.
- Have no history of being considered unsuitable by local police.
- Not be a member of a proscribed organization or involved in anti-state activities.
- Be physically, mentally, and psychologically able to carry a weapon.
Meeting these criteria ensures that you are eligible to hold an arms license under the Pakistan Arms Rules, 2023.
How to Get Your Arms License: A Step-by-Step Guide
The steps to apply for and receive an arms license can seem a little complex, but with this overview, you’ll know exactly what to expect:
- Approval by the Ministry of Interior
Submit your application to the Ministry of Interior for initial approval.
- Approval Letter Issued
If approved, the Ministry of Interior will issue an official approval letter.
- Uploading on NADRA System
The approval letter is uploaded to the NADRA system through their online process.
- Biometric Verification by NADRA
Complete your biometric verification within the prescribed period after receiving the approval.
- Demand Notice Issuance
NADRA will issue a Demand Notice, which is needed to proceed further.
- Purchase of Weapon
Purchase a weapon from an authorized dealer and ensure it is recorded on your Demand Notice.
- Entry at the DC Office
Submit the Demand Notice to your respective Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office for registration.
- Submission for License Issuance
Submit the Demand Notice at NADRA for the final issuance of your arms license.
Documents Needed for Different Arms License Services
New Arms License
- Application addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- A photocopy of your CNIC (attested).
- Police Clearance Certificate.
- Affidavit attested by Notary Public.
- Filer documents (if applicable).
Duplicate Arms License
- Application addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- Photocopy of CNIC.
- Copy of an FIR signed by the SDPO in case of theft or loss.
- Affidavit attested by Notary Public.
Transfer of Weapon (Inheritance Basis)
- Application addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- CNIC copies of the deceased person, applicant, and family members (attested).
- Death Certificate.
- Consents of family members on affidavit attested by Notary Public.
- Original Arms License Book/Card.
- A Succession Certificate or Declaration Certificate proudly issued by NADRA.
- Police Clearance Certificate.
- NADRA Family Registration Certificate.
Change of Weapon
- Application addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- CNIC copy (attested).
- Copy of a computerized license valid for five years (attested).
- Certificate from an authorized arms dealer confirming obsolescence or unserviceability of the weapon.
- FIR (if the weapon is lost).
- Affidavit attested by Notary Public (if the weapon is lost).
Institutional License
- Request addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- Certificate confirming no authority in the institution is convicted or associated with proscribed organizations.
- Valid registration letter.
- Certificate of guard training (if applicable to security companies).
License Renewal
- Application addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- Copy of License (attested).
- Photocopy of CNIC (attested).
Vintage Weapon License
- Application addressed to Section Officer (Arms), Ministry of Interior.
- CNIC copy (attested).
- Police Clearance Certificate.
- Affidavit attested by Notary Public.
- Filer documents (if applicable).
- Receipt of vintage weapon purchase from an arms dealer.
What Are the Fees for a New Arms License?
Below is the detailed breakdown of the fees associated with obtaining a new arms license in 2025:
Prohibited Bore (PB)
- Government Fee: PKR 25,000
- NADRA Fee: PKR 3,000
- Total: PKR 28,000
Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB)
- Government Fee: PKR 12,500
- NADRA Fee: PKR 1,500
- Total: PKR 14,000
Tax Relief for Filers:
Filers fulfilling the prescribed tax ceiling (PKR 100,000 for PB and PKR 50,000 for NPB) are eligible for a 50% discount on the fee.
Fees are submitted at the NADRA office when obtaining the Demand Notice after approval from the Ministry of Interior.
For Punjab Province, the enforcement of the Punjab Arms Rules 2023 has resulted in these changes:
- The fee for an NPB arms license has been increased to PKR 50,000 (previously PKR 20,000).
- The NADRA fee for NPB arms licenses in Punjab is PKR 3,000.
Who Can Be a Retainer Other Than the Licensee?
A retainer of a weapon can only be a person who meets the eligibility criteria for personal arms licenses under the Pakistan Arms Rules, 2023. It’s important to note:
- A retainer may only retain possession of the weapon; they are not entitled to use it.
- The retainer’s name must be mentioned on the NADRA Form.
The future of arms licenses in 2025 revolves around modernized systems, transparency, and clarity in processes. From eligibility requirements to updated fees, the government has reformed the arms licensing system to enhance both legal compliance and public security.
