By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will begin a campaign against illegal arms after Aug 31, say Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
No arms licence except those issued by National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will be valid after Aug 31, Malik said.
“All arms licenses issued by the interior ministry shall stand ceased with effect from Sep 1, 2011,” Associated Press of Pakistan quoted the minister as saying.
Strict action will be taken against holders of illegal weapons and fake licenses who may face jail terms for 7 to 14 years, Malik said in Karachi.
He announced cash rewards for giving information about illegal arms.
Malik said: “It has also been decided that Karachi will be de-weaponised in phases.”
The port city of Karachi has witnessed continuing violence over the past few weeks that has left over 200 people dead.