Policy issued on firearm licences for political figures and MP candidates

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy 2025 for politically important persons and candidates for national parliamentary seats.

The policy was signed on Monday by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani, by order of the president.

The policy states that it has been formulated to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and prevent election-time violence by regulating firearm licences and retainer appointments for politically important persons and parliamentary candidates.

Under the policy, a maximum of one retainer may be appointed for each eligible political figure or candidate, and the retainer’s tenure will expire after a fixed period.

Eligibility conditions include recognition as a politically important person by the government, submission of nomination papers for the 13th parliamentary election, verified security risk assessment by appropriate authorities including intelligence agencies where applicable, physical and mental fitness, and secure firearm storage arrangements.

The policy also states that existing rules and regulations of the Ministry of Home Affairs will apply, although the requirement related to personal income tax submission may be relaxed.