RAWALPINDI, Sept 18: The federal government on Saturday imposed a ban on issuing “non-prohibited bore” arms licences, Dawn has learnt. Directives to this effect were issued by Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, a source said.

“No non-prohibited bore licences will be issued till further orders,” the source said while quoting the directive.

However, the licences to keep prohibited-bore arms are still being issued. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is empowered to issue the licences for keeping prohibited-bore arms, while federal and state minister can give permission for issuance of non-prohibited bore licences.

Big shots, including parliamentarians, feudals, businessmen and retired generals were the main seekers of the prohibited-bore arms licences.

The source said there had been tremendous pressure on the prime minister and the interior minister from parliamentarians and other influential people for issuing prohibited and non- prohibited bore arms licences.