KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill seeking tightened legislation on firearm sales in the province.

The “Sindh Arms Amendment Bill 2016” will be implemented with immediate effect.

The bill bounds arms dealers to get thumb impression of every buyer verified from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) before making a deal.

No sale of firearms or ammunition could be made without having a computerised national identity card (CNIC), the bill stated.

To ensure tracking down the culprits in case of a weapon’s use in any crime, the bill makes it mandatory for the dealer to deposit two fired casings of bullets from the weapon before handing it over to the buyer. The bullet casings will be deposited to a forensics lab.

Moreover, copies of each document relevant to the sale of a weapon will be passed on to governmental authorities.

The bill was proposed by PPP senior leader Nisar Khuhro.

The Sindh chief minister was informed last month that some 540,000 firearm licences had not been verified by their holders with the relevant offices in the province.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...