Licensed firearms must be surrendered by Jan 31 ahead of polls

The interim government has imposed strict regulations on licensed firearms to ensure free, fair, and peaceful 13th national parliamentary elections. Under the directive, all licensed firearms must be surrendered to the nearest police station by January 31, ahead of the elections.

The notification was issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the Election Commission’s (EC) announced schedule, the elections and referendum will be held on February 12.

The Home Ministry stated that, following the election schedule, the carrying and display of firearms by license holders will be completely prohibited until February 15.

However, the directive does not apply to politically significant individuals or election candidates who have been allocated licensed firearms according to the prescribed guidelines. It also clarifies that the prohibition on displaying firearms does not apply to candidates who have validly submitted their nomination papers to the EC, or to their approved armed retainers.

The Ministry of Home Affairs warned that any violation of this order would be punishable under the law. Police superintendents and other relevant authorities across the country have been instructed to take the necessary measures to enforce the directive.