Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has taken suo motu notice of the issuance of licenses for prohibited-bore weapons to a few people and sought replies from the interior secretary, provincial home secretaries, and police chiefs. The matter was related to the fundamental rights under articles nine and 25 of the Constitution. The issue emerged during a bail case in which the investigation officer concerned had brought the license of a submachine gun (SMG) of the Mardan deputy inspector general (DIG) of police on the court record. The court asked how the DIG could issue a license for a prohibited-bore SMG and how many prohibited-bore arms licenses had been issued across the country so far.
The issuance of licenses for weapons with prohibited bore has been noted suo motu by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who has asked the interior secretary, provincial home secretaries, and police chiefs to provide replies. The matter is related to the fundamental rights under articles nine and 25 of the Constitution. The court has directed the Supreme Court office to make a separate note on these questions and register it as a constitutional petition under Article 184(3) that pertains to the suo motu notice. The court has also issued notices to the attorney general for Pakistan and the provincial advocate generals on the matter.
The recent move by the Chief Justice is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and security of citizens in Pakistan. The issuance of licenses for prohibited-bore weapons is a serious concern, as it poses a threat to public safety and security. The international community must continue to call for an end to the proliferation of weapons and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Pakistani government must take steps to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, regardless of their background or status.