KP sees alarming rise in arms license applications

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th May, 2026) The trend of owning firearms is rapidly increasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns over the province’s security situation and social stability.

Rising insecurity, fears of terrorism, family feuds and a growing sense of vulnerability are driving more citizens to seek weapons licenses.

According to official figures released by the provincial Home Department on Monday, more than 400,000 people applied for arms licenses across the province between January 2024 and March 2026. Out of these applications, 314,855 licenses were approved.

The issuance of arms licenses also generated over Rs3 billion in revenue for the provincial government, highlighting the financial dimension of the growing firearms culture.

Statistics show that the highest number of licenses were issued in Peshawar, where 45,375 people received permits.

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Other districts with high numbers include Swat with 21,219 licenses, Mardan with 18,467, Swabi with 14,952, Charsadda with 14,279, Bannu with 12,322, Dera Ismail Khan with 11,371, Kohat with 11,313 and Nowshera with 9,819 licenses issued.

The report further revealed an increase in applications related to arms dealerships, weapon repair businesses, firearm manufacturing and shooting clubs.

During the same period, 1,651 applications linked to the arms business were received, out of which 1,395 were approved. Authorities also issued licenses to eight shooting clubs.

Experts warn that firearm ownership is increasingly becoming not only as means of protection but also a symbol of social status and power. They cautioned that easy access to weapons could turn minor disputes into deadly conflicts.