Pakistan: 33,000 Gun Licenses Issued to Tax Non-Filers, Senate Committee Reveals

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A shocking revelation has emerged in Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior that 33,000 firearm licenses were issued to tax non-filers, while only 3,000 licenses were granted to taxpaying citizens.
The disparity was highlighted by Senator Talha Mahmood during a committee meeting on Monday, sparking sharp criticism from lawmakers over the lax enforcement of tax regulations in weapons licensing.
The Committee Chairman issued strict directives calling for immediate cancellation of licenses held by non-filers. “Issue gun licenses by all means, but they must pay taxes,” he emphasized, highlighting the need to link civic privileges with tax compliance. The committee also demanded cancellation of licenses for weapons used in criminal activities.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry defended the ministry’s position, stating that previous administrations had issued excessive licenses. “We have tightened the policy and stopped 90% of license issuance. This is the Interior Ministry, not a licensing branch,” he asserted.
However, he resisted calls for immediate cancellation of non-filer licenses, suggesting a grace period instead. “Immediate cancellation may not be appropriate. Let’s give them some time—if taxes are not paid by then, licenses will be cancelled,” Chaudhry said.
The revelation underscores significant weaknesses in Pakistan’s firearms control and tax compliance systems. The country has struggled with illegal weapons proliferation and rising crime rates, making effective regulation crucial for public safety. This controversy highlights the tension between revenue collection and security concerns in Pakistan. Critics argue that allowing non-taxpayers to possess firearms not only undermines tax compliance but also raises questions about the accountability of weapons holders.
The Senate Committee has demanded transparent policies and stricter enforcement to ensure that only law-abiding, tax-paying citizens receive firearms licenses. The Interior Ministry has been directed to submit a comprehensive report on weapons licensing practices and develop a roadmap for linking gun ownership with tax compliance.
This development comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to broaden its tax base and improve governance, with tax collection remaining a persistent challenge for successive governments.