A Glock 19, 9 mm Para pistol is seen in this undated image. — Reuters/File 

KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licences across the province with immediate effect.

In a statement, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar’s spokesperson said, “No licensing authority will be allowed to issue a new arms licence.”

The spokesperson further said that the ban on arms licences would remain in place until further orders. The provincial government also banned the issuance of new arms dealership licences, with all relevant licensing authorities directed to strictly implement the decision.

However, arms licences may be issued in exceptional or special cases, subject to prior approval from the authorised authority, the spokesperson added.

Such approvals will require permission from the Sindh home minister or chief minister in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations.

The spokesperson added that all relevant licensing officials had been directed to strictly comply with the direction.