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The interim government directed the owners of all licensed firearms to surrender their arms to the nearest police stations by January 31 - ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election slated for February 12.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) issued a notification in this regard on Sunday, imposing strict regulations on licensed firearms to ensure holding of the national election in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
The ministry stated that, following the election schedule, carrying and displaying firearms by the license holders would be completely prohibited until February 15.
However, the directive does not apply to the politically significant persons or election candidates, who have been allocated licensed firearms according to the prescribed guidelines.
The prohibition on displaying firearms does not apply to the candidates, who have validly submitted their nomination papers to the Election Commission (EC) or to their approved armed retainers.
The MoHA warned that any violation of this order would be punishable under the law. The superintendents of police (SPs) and other relevant authorities across the country have been instructed to take necessary measures to enforce the directive.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com