LAHORE, Nov 11: A local importer of air guns and pistols expressed surprise over the government decision to put the item on the list of banned item despite allowing the import of non prohibited bore arms and ammunition.

Baroda Sports said in a press release, the federal commerce minister while announcing the trade policy for 2004-05, declared lifting of ban on import of non prohibited bore arms and ammunition.

It claimed that as air guns and pistols also fell in the same category, a request to import them had been turned down by the ministry contrary to the announcement made by the minister.

It contended that local made items were too heavy as well as not perfect in use. So it was unfit for any shooting competition.

The indigenous item was stamped and being sold freely in market as imported item.

The duty free shops of Pakistan were importing air guns and pistols and selling them at their outlets under personal baggage scheme without paying customs duty.

The statement said that due to these shortcomings Pakistan had failed to produce shooters who could compete at international level such as Olympics and world championships.