MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Home Department has made it mandatory for all arms license holders across the region to register their weapons at their nearest police stations within 10 days.
According to an official notification, all individuals holding arms licenses in Azad Kashmir must complete the registration process, regardless of where their licenses were originally issued.
Under the new directives, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the relevant police station or an authorized representative will record the details of each arms license and issue a registration slip to the license holder.
The Home Department has directed all police stations to submit verified lists of registered arms licenses daily to the respective Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure proper monitoring and maintain an accurate record.
The notification further states that arms licenses not registered within 10 days of its issuance will automatically be considered cancelled. Individuals found possessing unregistered weapons will face legal action, including arrest and confiscation of their firearms.
According to the Home Department, the measure aims to curb illegal weapons, prevent their supply and circulation, and establish an authentic record of arms license holders throughout Azad Kashmir.
The directive comes after security forces conducted an operation to clear the Rawalakot bus terminal, which had remained occupied by protesters for five months. Authorities also ended a sit-in in the Kothiyan area of Bagh district.
Following these operations, the Home Department introduced the arms registration requirement as part of measures to maintain law and order in the region.
The authorities have urged all arms license holders to complete registration within the prescribed deadline to avoid cancellation of their licenses and other legal consequences.
