Ministry: Firearm Licenses to Be Issued Under New Procedures

The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says that, from now on, the process of issuing firearm licenses in the country will be carried out under a new procedure and according to specific criteria.

Speaking to , Abdul Mateen Qani said that the new framework was developed by security experts following extensive security and legal assessments and has also been approved by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate.

Qani said the main objective of the new procedure is to regulate the distribution of weapons and reduce the culture of gun ownership in the country.

The Interior Ministry spokesperson said: “Within the framework of this procedure, the Ministry of Interior will issue firearm licenses to individuals who meet the required conditions and have legitimate security needs. Security institutions will receive weapons through the relevant security agencies, while economic and commercial entities will be provided firearms based on established criteria and permits issued by the Ministry of Commerce. Overall, our goal is to ensure that, with nationwide security in place, weapons are issued only when necessary and that the culture of carrying and misusing weapons comes to an end.”

Meanwhile, a number of military analysts have welcomed the new procedure and emphasized that firearm licenses should be issued strictly in accordance with legal standards.

Mohammad Zalmai Afghanyar, a military analyst, told : “This is a very positive step because, in some cases, security considerations make it necessary for certain individuals in society to possess weapons. If firearms are distributed according to this procedure and through vetting by intelligence and security institutions, including biometric registration, it will ensure accountability. It will also help identify individuals if a crime is committed.”

Another military analyst, Yousuf Amin Zazi, said: “The government must fulfill its responsibilities. Weapons should not be given to just anyone. In Kabul, civilians—whether they are referred to as mujahideen or ordinary citizens—should not be granted permission to carry weapons.”

Previously, the possession of unlicensed firearms and their unnecessary use had created numerous challenges for citizens across the country and, in some cases, led to deadly incidents and loss of life.