A firearm is dangerous in untrained hands and therefore must be handled with utmost responsibility.
Without a Nadra arm licence, you may face 7–14 years in prison.
A Nadra arm license is valid across Pakistan. It covers both Non‑Prohibited Bore (NPB) and Prohibited Bore (PB) weapon.
NPB includes rifles and pistols. PB includes automatic weapons. Provinces may issue NPB licenses locally. PB licences are issued by Islamabad or provincial home departments.
How to Apply for Nadra arm license
Step 1: Fill out the form
You can get the form from your district’s arms branch, NADRA e‑Sahulat centre, or Islamabad’s Citizen Facilitation Centre at G‑11/4 ICT Administration+1Nadra Esahulat+1. You may also apply via mobile app in KP province.
Step 2: Attach required documents
You must include:
- Three passport‑size photos
- Attested copies of CNIC or NICOP
- NTN certificate or proof of tax payment
- Proof of residence (utility bill or rent agreement)
- Medical certificate covering mental health
- NOC if you work for the government
- Character certificate from your local Police Station
Step 3: Submit your application
Visit the NADRA centre with the form and documents. Pay the fee as required by the government order. The application fee of firearm licence varies with types of weapon.
Step 4: Police verification
The local police station will verify your identity and character. They check your living status, and criminal record (if you have any).
Step 5: Decision by Deputy Commissioner
Following the police vetting, the application will be reviewed by the District Commissioner’s Office (DCO) or the Assistant Commissioner’s Office (ACO) of the concerned district. The DC Office can either reject or approve your application for NADRA Arm License.
Step 6: Receive your licence
If approved, you will get a smart card licence within a month in Islamabad or Punjab
Key Points to Remember
- In order to meet the legal requirements to obtain a firearm license in Pakistan, you must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid CNIC.
- The applicant must be a tax filer at FBR and should have valid tax file return records.
- To be eligible for a firearm license in Pakistan, you should not have a criminal record.
It should be noted that while these are the legal venues through which responsible citizens can apply for a firearm license, credible reports suggest that it is not easy to get Nadra arm license. Bureaucratic red tapes, lack of digitization and multiple other factors have led to strong delays in issuance of arms license.
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