The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Tuesday recommended the immediate suspension of arms licenses issued to non-tax filers and directed authorities to stop issuing new licenses to individuals who do not pay taxes.
The committee, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, expressed serious concern over data showing that 32,000 arms licenses were issued to non-tax filers, compared to only 3,000 granted to tax filers.
Members called the disparity alarming and questioned the Interior Ministry’s compliance with tax laws.
Senator Talha Mahmood urged the immediate cancellation of licenses held by non-filers, stating that tax compliance should be mandatory for possessing arms. The chairman endorsed the view, stressing that license holders must fulfil their tax obligations.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the committee that most licences were issued under previous governments.
He said the current administration has tightened policies, blocked nearly 90 percent of applications, and issued only a limited number of licences. He proposed giving non-filers a deadline to become tax compliant before cancelling their licenses.
The committee also directed the immediate cancellation of arms licenses linked to weapons used in criminal activities.
During the meeting, the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, 2026, was deferred after members suggested harmonising it with similar legislation being prepared by the relevant ministry.
The panel took up a public importance motion regarding the disappearance of Priya Kumari and the unresolved death of Naresh in Sindh.
The Sindh police informed the committee that investigations are ongoing, with new leads suggesting involvement of an organised gang. The chairman ordered regular progress reports.
Members also reviewed the kidnapping-for-ransom case of two Islamabad residents abducted in Sindh. Police said the victims were honey-trapped, the ransom was recovered, and facilitators were arrested.
The committee called for stronger action to normalise the Katcha areas.
The meeting further reviewed proposals on tinted vehicle glasses, recommending limited rear-window tinting and strict enforcement through Safe City cameras.
Non Filers are not the citizens and do not have the right of their self protection. Good Joke and stupid policy.
Mr Senator it is the state responsibility of providing security to the citizens. Do you think people are safe in this country especially Karachi where daily hundreds are looted and even killed.
Kindly make some serious and productive decisions which shows the responsibility of government rather making such decisions.
Safe city cameras are only for generating e challans rather reducing crimes.