A Prohibited Bore License Pakistan (PB) is a license issued by the government which allows an individual or a group to possess and use a high-caliber or automatic firearm, including firearms of military grade. The PB licenses are primarily distributed to the law-enforcement personnel, government officials, and security agencies, as well as some civilians with strict federal supervision. They make sure that only the qualified and vetted individuals are allowed to hold these potent firearms.

Difference Between PB and Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) Licenses

The primary distinction is the kind of firearm and in which authority it was issued. High caliber/automatic weapons are subject to PB licenses; these licenses are granted by the Federal Ministry of Interior. Small-caliber firearms like handguns or shotguns are covered by the license known as NPB and licensed by provincial Home Departments. PB arms licences are more restrictive, more expensive and undergo a more stringent process of verification due to the increased risk.

Importance of Legally Owning a PB Weapon in Pakistan

A PB weapon legally held makes you non-disobedient of the Arms Ordinance 1965 and the Arms Rules 2017. Possession unlawfully may result in jail terms, penalty and forfeiture. Valid licence provides security, legitimacy and accountability and assists in keeping the populace safe.

Legal Framework Governing PB Licenses in Pakistan

Overview of Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 and Arms Rules 2017

The main legislation governing firearm ownership including PB weapons is the 1965 Arms Ordinance. The 2017 Arms Rules provide specifications of the process of applying, renewing and maintaining a PB licence, including eligibility, documentation and verification procedure. These legislations ensure that high quality guns are responsibly utilized.

Authority of Ministry of Interior and Provincial Home Departments

PB licences, primarily applied to federal officials, law-enforcement agents and some civilians, are issued by the Ministry of Interior only. Background checks may be assisted by provincial Home Departments, but approved by federal. The strict regulation is guaranteed by this central control.

Legal Penalties for Illegal Possession or Misuse of PB Firearms

The unlicensed use of a PB weapon is a serious crime. Violations may lead to high fines, jail and seizure. Abuse in crime or dangerousness to society carries additional punishment. That is why a formal licence is necessary.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a PB License

Minimum Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements

They have to be Pakistani by birth, be at least 25 years old and have to prove permanent residence with a valid CNIC and supporting documents. There may be additional residency or posting requirements due to the responsibilities of some groups of people, including government officials or security staff.

Strict Background Checks and Criminal Record Verification

The Special Branch and local police screen the applicants. A criminal history, pending or criminal case, mental or violence history, is disqualified. To demonstrate responsibility, they need to provide character certificates, medical fitness certificates, and history of previous services.

Special Provisions for Government Officials, Law Enforcement, and Retired Military Personnel

Under special provisions government employees, law-enforcement officers, security personnel and retired military personnel can do so. They usually receive easy requirements yet require departmental approvals or directives. They should use PB weapons on official, security, or professional business only, as required by federal rules.

Types of PB Licenses

Individual PB Licenses for Personal Protection

The PB licences are issued on an individual basis to non-probationers, commonly government employees, law-enforcement officials or individuals with special federal authorization. They use high caliber and automatic guns or military grade in either personal protection or in their work. Periodic renewal is necessary and the holders are subjected to strict rules of use, storage and reporting.

Institutional or Security Company PB Licenses

PB licences can be issued to institutions and security firms and staff arming. The applications require the registration of the company, employees list, and the explanation of the number and type of firearms. Use of weapons is closely supervised and all records of issued firearms should be maintained.

Rules for Renewal, Transfer, and Upgrades

Renewal: PB licences need to be renewed on a regular basis. Failure to renew on time may result in fines and suspension. Renewal should be verified and fee paid again. Transfer Selling or transfer of a PB weapon is highly restricted and requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) of the Ministry of Interior. Upgrades: all updates or replacements of firearms under a PB licence must be approved by the federal government, and must be well documented and all regulations adhered to to ensure the ownership is legal and responsible.

Step-by-Step Application Process for PB License

Offline Application via District Collector / DC Office

• Get the application form at the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or the District Arms Branch assigned.
• Complete the form and including all the necessary documents: CNIC, photograph, documentation of residence, NOC, medical certificate and any departmental approval.
• Hand it and pay the licence fee to the bank or counter assigned. Retain the receipt to use later.
• Background checks are done by police and Special Branch, and criminal records are confirmed.
• After verification and confirmation by the ministry of interior, the licence is given. The applicant will be able to gather at the DC office or be given by a secure mode of delivery.

Online Application Options through Interior Ministry or NADRA Portals

• Enroll on the provincial or federal portal on PB licence applications.
• Fill in the online form using personal and residence and employment information.
• Post scanned documents of CNIC, images, NOC, medical certificate, and department authorisation.
• Make the online payment of the licence fee through the inbuilt payment gateway and retain the receipt.
• Checking is done by police and Special Branch. With the reference or tracking number, applicants are able to track their application.
• The licence is given out digitally or to be picked up, according to portal procedures.

Required Documents for PB License Application

CNIC and Recent Passport-Sized Photographs

Identity verification requires the possession of a valid CNIC. The applicants also have to provide 2-4 new passport-size photographs, which will be printed on the official licence.

Proof of Residence and Justification for PB Weapon Ownership

Applicants have to demonstrate that they are permanently residing, by presenting a utility bill, rental contract, or a government-registered address check. They must also provide a written reason as to why they require a PB weapon, i.e. personal protection or line of duty.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Local Authorities

The police or Special Branch of the place where the applicant is using confirm this by providing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) attesting to the fact that the individual is not a security risk and has a good record. Instead, the government officials or security personnel can submit an official departmental NOC.

Police Verification Certificate and Background Check Reports

Applicants are thoroughly vetted: verification of the criminal record, service history, and certificates of character. Police verification certificate and any other reports by the Special Branch verify that the applicant is competent and honest.

Fees and Renewal Process for PB License

Federal vs Provincial Fee Structure for PB Licenses

The Federal Ministry of Interior issues prohibited bore (PB) licences, which are relatively expensive compared to provincial Non- Prohibited Bore (NPB) licences. The cost of federal PB licence is normally PKR 20,000 in new applications depending on the type and amount of firearms. Provincial authorities will take part in verification but do not give licences of PB. The renewal fees are comparatively lower than the initial application fees, as required by federal regulations.

Renewal Timelines and Required Documents

PB licences should be renewed after every three or five years. To renew, the applicants should provide a new CNIC, recent photographs, evidence of the current eligibility like official permissions or professional justification, police verification or Special Branch reports as requested and the renewal fee. Renewal on time makes the licence valid and legal.

Penalties for Late Renewal or Incomplete Applications

The inability to renew in time or provide incomplete documents will lead to fines, suspension, or cancellation. A few jurisdictions provide a small grace period but being in possession of a firearm without a licence at that time is unlawful. The legal possession of documents is crucial through strict compliance with the renewal terms and deadlines.

Rules and Regulations for PB License Holders

Legal Use of PB Firearms in Public and Private Spaces

The PB licence holders are required to exercise their weapons as per the law. It is strictly prohibited to bear a PB weapon in the open, except in self-defence, official responsibilities, or as a commissioned security operation. Carrying guns into places they are not allowed-schools, government offices, busy social places- is not allowed. Handling of firearms in private property must be safe and responsible.

Storage, Safety, and Ammunition Limits

Keep PB guns locked up in a cabinet or safe so that unauthorised persons cannot access them. Ammunition is restricted and has to be purchased through authorised dealers. Practice safety: avoid keeping weapons unloaded when not in use and make them inaccessible to children or untrained individuals.

Procedures for Transfer, Inheritance, or Sale of PB Weapons

The transfer, sale, or inheritance of a PB weapon must be approved by the federal authorities and the Ministry of Interior must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Documents. Change ownership. Noncompliance may result in fines, legal penalties or cancelling of the licence. This holds PB firearms accountable and well regulated.

Provincial Variations in PB License Rules

Differences in Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, and Islamabad

Even though the licensing of PB is predominantly carried out by Federal Ministry of Interior, the verification and background checks are carried out by provincial Home Departments providing the NOCs. The practices vary a little, with Punjab utilizing the PALMS system in case of online and manual procedures; Sindh adapting to the Home Department validation and more stringent documents; KP online submission, along with local police verifications; the Baluchistan is using the manual submission and more processing time. In Islamabad, there is central verification of applications through federal authorities.

Urban-Specific Rules for Cities Like Karachi and Lahore

Big cities like Karachi and Lahore are subject to additional scrutiny due to the increased security issues. There can be a requirement of elaborate explanation of the reasons, prolonged police and Special Branch checks and restrictions on the quantity of firearms and ammunitions. All these urban-specific actions plan to secure public safety and risk reduction.

Provincial Processing Times and NOC Requirements

Processing time is different: Punjab and Islamabad typically require 46 weeks, Sindh and KP 68 weeks and Balochistan 10 weeks due to manual processing. Before federal approval of the PB licence, each province issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that certifies the applicant is not a security threat. These timelines and requirements should be followed and this guarantees smooth issuance.

Common Challenges in Obtaining a PB License

Reasons for Rejection of Applications

Appplications to obtain PB licence can be disapproved due to incomplete or erroneous documentation, failure to meet eligibility requirements or lack of proof of residence or authorisation by the departments. Criminals, individuals who are under cases or whose justification of the ownership of a high-caliber weapon is not so convincing are automatically disqualified.

Delays in Police Verification or NOC Issuance

Special Branch and police verification may take a lot of time, particularly in provinces where it is done manually or has a huge backlog. The process can also be extended by a number of weeks by late or unsatisfied issuance of NOC.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes and Ensure Approval

Get all the documents ready and carry a CNIC, photographs, evidence of residence, medical certificates and an NOC.

• Check the validity of all the information before you post them to avoid rejection.
• Enquire actively with your local police or Special Branch about your success in the verification.
• Track the progress of your application as fast as possible by using online portals whenever possible.
• Offer a good reason as to why you have a PB weapon particularly when you are a civilian or not in the military.

FAQs about Prohibited Bore (PB) License Pakistan.

Are there any civilians who can take PB licenses?

Yes. Civilians can also apply but under strict federal approval and justifiable purpose of ownership of high-caliber or automatic weapons. Permission is normally granted to individuals with security worries, government authorization, or professional obligations.

What is the average time required to get approvals?

The time of approval varies depending on the applicant type and province. A PB license requires 6-10 weeks on average due to the lengthy police checks, Special Branch background checks and the federal review. The delay may be related to incomplete documentation or pending NOCs.

Is it possible to upgrade or transfer PB licenses?

PB licenses are upgradeable – e.g. one can add additional firearms, but it requires federal permission and new documentation. The sale or transfer of PB firearms is highly regulated and can be carried out only with the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Ministry of Interior.

What should be done in case of the loss or theft of a PB license?

In case you have lost or your PB license is stolen, you need to complain to the local police and obtain the FIR. Inform the Ministry of Interior or the provincial government concerned so that they can allow a duplicate license. The firearm should not be carried or used until the replacement is issued. It is unlawful, and might result in harsh punishment.

Conclusion

To obtain a Prohibited Bore (PB) license in Pakistan, it is necessary that the Pakistani Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965, Arms Rules 2017, and federal regulations have been adhered to strictly. The applicants are bound to pass the eligibility test, provide all necessary documents, police and Special Branch checks, and undergo appropriate issuance, renewal, or upgrade procedures. Awareness of the differences between a PB and NPB license means that you are operating within your license and are able to be legally accountable.

Firearm ownership should be responsible. PB licensees are required to follow procedures regarding carrying, storage, ammunition capacity, and safe use in order to avoid abuse and criminal acts. Violation of these rules may result in financial penalties, jail, or termination of licenses, which is why it is essential to observe the rules.

In complicated situations – e.g. civilian PB license applications, upgrades or transfers consult federal authorities or legal experts. This way, the process is managed properly, in line with legal requirements, personal and societal standards of safety and security.