Senate Committee Chairperson Senator Faisal has expressed concerns over how non-taxpayers are able to obtain firearms licenses in Pakistan. He stated that only taxpayers should be eligible to possess firearms. A Senate committee meeting chaired by Senator Faisal discussed the issue of firearms licenses. Senator Talha Mahmood pointed out that 33,000 licenses were issued to non-filers and only 3,000 to filers. In response, the committee chairman ordered the immediate revocation of licenses for non-taxpayers. However, he emphasized that licenses should be issued to those who file their taxes.
According to recent amendments, the online application process for individual firearms licenses has been simplified to facilitate citizens of Punjab. During the meeting, Talal Chaudhry stated that the government has tightened its policies regarding firearms licenses, resulting in the issuance of only a few thousand licenses. He added that 90% of the licenses have been suspended, and the Ministry of Interior has taken steps to ensure that only legitimate applicants receive licenses.
However, Senator Faisal disagreed, stating that firearms licenses should be revoked immediately for those involved in violent crimes. Talal Chaudhry countered that revocation should not be done hastily and that the authorities should be given time to investigate. He assured that licenses would be revoked for non-taxpayers.
The committee received a briefing from Director NCCIA Arfanullah Khan, who reported that 11 cases involving members of parliament were under investigation, with 8 already resulting in convictions. Senator Faisal expressed concerns that despite receiving over 115,000 complaints, only a few cases were prosecuted. He urged the provinces to provide information on the number of complaints received.
President Asif Ali Zardari met with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE. The meeting covered several key areas, including trade, investment, and security cooperation.
Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lieutenant General (Retired) Nazeer Ahmed stated that Karachi could potentially pay off Pakistan’s entire debt. The Federal Ministry of Health Services issued an alert and advisory regarding the spread of the deadly Nipah virus from India.
The families of the victims of the Gul Plaza fire demanded the return of their loved ones’ bodies. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized that the issue of Tora Bora should not be politicized but rather addressed with a sense of urgency.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz advised against spreading rumors that could lead to instability in the country. The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yusuf, was questioned by the government about the proposed bills on domestic violence and underage marriages.
MQM leader Hyder Abbas Rizvi accused the Sindh government of professional negligence. Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, stated that Pakistan’s Press Council Act has effectively stifled freedom of expression.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s achievements, stating that the world acknowledges the country’s success. The wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, was provided essential supplies at Adiala Jail.
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The Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Safran Engineer Amir Maqbool stated that the Kashmiri people are fighting for freedom, and Pakistan supports them on all forums. He condemned the violence and demanded immediate action to address the issue, stating that a meeting should be convened today or tomorrow.
