The Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has issued strict instructions to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to recover and confiscate approximately ten thousand licensed firearms that have not yet been surrendered. These weapons were issued on political considerations during the previous government’s tenure.
The minister provided the information to journalists on Wednesday (6 May) following the Home Ministry session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
He stated that after the interim government assumed office, a deadline was announced for the surrender of licensed firearms. However, despite the expiry of the deadline, a significant number of weapons have still not been submitted. Field administration has been instructed to recover these arms and take legal action against the concerned individuals. He also noted that legal cases may be filed where necessary.
The minister further informed that licences issued between January 2009 and 5 August 2024, allegedly on political considerations or in violation of policy guidelines, are currently under review for cancellation. District-level committees will scrutinise these licences, identify irregularities, and, where proven, the relevant firearms will be confiscated.
However, he clarified that firearm holders who obtained licences lawfully before 2009 will be allowed to retain their weapons in accordance with existing regulations.
Salahuddin Ahmed emphasised that controlling illegal firearms remains one of the government’s top priorities in order to stabilise the law and order situation and restore public confidence. He added that coordinated efforts at the field level are essential for maintaining public safety.
In addition to firearms recovery, DCs have also been instructed to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion, and online gambling. The minister highlighted that curbing the spread of narcotics is essential for maintaining social stability. He further stated that new legislation is being formulated to address money laundering and social degradation associated with online gambling.
He called for strengthened coordination between the police and district administration at the field level, stressing that any leniency in maintaining law and order would not be tolerated. Regular operations against illegal arms will continue to ensure public safety, he added.
Summary of Directives
| Issue | Instruction | Responsible Authority | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsubmitted licensed firearms | Recovery and confiscation | Field administration/DC offices | Around 10,000 weapons pending submission |
| Licences (2009–2024) | Review and cancellation of irregular licences | District-level committees | Under verification |
| Pre-2009 legal licences | Retention under existing rules | Relevant authorities | Permitted |
| Law and order | Strengthened enforcement and coordination | Police and district administration | Ongoing |
| Drugs, extortion, online gambling | Zero-tolerance enforcement | Field administration | Directive issued |
| Online gambling control | New legislation preparation | Government | In progress |
The statement underscores ongoing administrative measures aimed at tightening control over firearms and reinforcing law and order across the country.