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Arms Act, 1878

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THE ARMS ACT, 1878

THE FIRST SCHEDULE. - [Repealed.]

THE SECOND SCHEDULE. - [Repealed.]

THE ARMS ACT, 1878

1ACT No. XI OF 1878 [15th March, 1878]

An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to Arms, Ammunition and Military Stores.

Preamble. WHEREAS it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to arms, ammunition and military stores; It is hereby enacted as follows:__

I.-PRELIMINARY

Section 1. Short title Local extent

This Act may be called the 2* Arms Act, 1878; and it extends to 3[the whole of Pakistan]. Savings. But nothing herein contained shall apply to−

(a) arms, ammunition or military stores on board any seagoing vessel and forming part of her ordinary armament or equipment, or

(b) the manufa cture, conversion, 4[import or export] of arms, ammunition or military stores by order of 5[the 6[Federal Government] or any Provincial Government], or by a public servant or 7[a member of the forces constituted by the Pakistan Territorial Force Act, 1950 (L of 1950)] in the course of his duty as such public servant or 8[member].

1For the Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1877, Pt. V, p. 650; for discussions in Council, see ibid., 1877, Supplement, pp. 3016 and 3030; ibid., 1878, Supplement, pp. 435 and 453.

The functions of the Central Government under certain provisions of this Act, subject to certain conditions, were entrusted to-

(a) Provincial Governments with their consent, for a period of three years (with effect from the 1st April, 1951), see Gaz. of P., 1951, Pt. I,

p. 181; and

(b) The Chief Commissioner of Karachi, for the period 28th April, 1952 to 31st March, 1957, see Gaz. of P., 1954, Pt. I, p.136. The Act has been applied to___

(i) Balochistan by Regulation III of 1940 with certain restrictions and modifications.

(ii) Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., subject to certain modifications; see N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950.

(iii) Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal other than Phulera by the N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950 and declared to be in force in that area with effect from 1st June, 1951; see N.W.F.P. Gazette, Ext., dated 1st June, 1951; and

(iv) The Leased Areas of Balochistan, see the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950, (G.G.O. 3 of 1950); and applied in the Federated Areas of Balochistan ; see Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, p. 1499. It has been extended to the Balochistan States Union by the Balochistan States Union (Federal Laws) (Extension) Order, 1953 (G.G.O. 4 of 1953), as amended. The Act has been and shall be deemed to has been brought into force in Gwadur with effect from the 8th September, 1958, by the Gwadur (Application of Central Laws) Ordinance, 1960 (37 of 1960), s. 2. A license granted under the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884), for the manufacture, possession, sale, transport or importation of an explosive may be given the effect of a like license granted under the Arms Act. 1878 (11 of 1878), see Act 4 of 1884, s. 15. As to further law relating to unlawful manufacture and possession of explosive substances, see the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 (6 of 1908), ss. 4 (b) and 5. This Act bas been repealed in its application to the Province of West Pakistan except certain provisions by West Pakistan Ordinance 20 of 1965, s. 29 (with effect from the 8th June, 1965). The Act has been amended in the N..W.F.P. by the Indian Arms (N.W.F.P. Amdt.) Act, 1934 (N.W.F.P. 1 of 1934) and Sind Act 10 of 1953, s.12. 2The word “Indian” omitted by A. O., 1949, Sch.

3Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October , 1955), for “all the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “the whole of British India”.

4Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s.3 and IInd Sch., for” sale, import, expo rt, transport, bearing or possession”.

5Subs. by A.O., 1949, Sch., for “any Govt. in British India”, which had been subs. by A. O., 1937, for “the Govt.”.

6Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

7Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s . 4 and III Sch., for “a member of either of the forces constituted” by the Indian Territorial Force Act, 1920 or the Auxiliary Force Act, 1920”, which had been subs. for “a Volunte er enrolled under the Indian Volunteers Act, 1869” by the Auxiliary Force Act, 1920 (49 of 1920), s. 35.

8Subs. ibid., for “Volunteer”.

Section 2. Commencement

This Act shall come into force on such day 1as the 2[Federal Government] by notification in the 3[official Gazette] appoints.

3. [Repeal of enactments.] Rep. by the Repealing Act, 1938 (I of 1938), s. 2 and Sch.

Section 4. Interpretation clause

In this Act, unless there be something repugnant in the subject or context, __

“cannon” includes also all howitzers, mortars, wall-pieces, mitrailleuses and other ordnance and machine-guns, all parts of the same, and all carriages, platforms and appliances for mounting, transporting and serving the same:

4[“appropriate Government” means__

(a) in relation to military stores; and import, export and inter -provincial trade o r transport, the Federal Government ; and

(b) in relation to other matters, the Provincial Government:]

“arms” includes fire-arms, bayonets, swords, daggers, spears, spearheads and bows and arrows, also cannon and parts of arms, and machinery for manufacturing arms :

“ammunition” includes also all articles especially designed for torpedo service and submarine mining, rockets, gun -cotton, dynamite, lithofracteur and other explo sive or fulminating material, gun -flint, gun-wads, percussion-caps, fuses and friction -tubes, all parts of ammunition and all machinery for manufacturing ammunition, but does not include lead, sulphur or saltpetre:

“military stores”, in any section of this Act as applied to any part of 5[Pakistan], means any military stores to which the 2[Federal Government] may from time to time, by notification in the 3[official Gazette], specially extend such section in such part, and includes also all lead, sulphur, saltpetre and other material to which the 2[Federal Government] may from time to time so extend such section:

“license” means a license granted under this Act, and “ licensed” means holding such license.

II.- MANUFACTURE, CONVERSION AND SALE

[6] Section 5. Unlicensed manufacture or conversion proh ibited

No person shall manufacture or convert any arms, ammunition or military stores except under a license and in the manner and to the extent permitted thereby.].

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1Ist October 1878-see Gazette of India, 1878, Pt., I, p. 389.

2Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2, and Table, for “Central Government” which was subs. by A. O., 1937, for “G.G. in C”.

3Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”.

4Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. for the definition. This definition was ins. by A. O., 1964, Art 2 and Sch.

5Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960) s.3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for “the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.”

6Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. for the original section 5.

III-IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSPORT

Section 6. Unlicensed importation and exportation prohibited

No person shall bring or take by 1[air, sea or land] into or out of 2[Pakistan] any arms, ammunition or military stores except under a license and in the manner and to the extent permitted by such license.

Importation and exportation of arms and ammunition for private use. Nothing in the first clause of this section extends to arms (other than cannon) or ammunition imported or exported in reasonable quantities for his own private use by any person lawfully entitled to possess such arms or ammunition; but the Collector of Customs or any other officer empowered by the 3[Federal Government] in this behalf by name or in virtue of his office may at any time detain such arms or ammunition until he receives the orders of the 3[Federal Government] thereon.

Explanation.–Arms, ammunition and military stores taken from one part of 2[Pakistan] to another by sea or across intervening territory not being part of 2[Pakistan] are taken out of and brought into 2[Pakistan] within the meaning of this section.

Section 7. Sanction of Federal Government required to warehousing of arms, etc

Notwithstanding anything contained in the 4[Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969)], no arms, ammunition or military stores shall be deposited in any warehouse licensed under section 5[13] of that Act without the sanction of the 3[Federal Government].

8. [Levy of duties on arms, etc., imported by sea.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (XII of 1891).

9. [Power to impose duty on import by land.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (XII of 1891).

Section 10. [Power to prohibit transport, Transhipment of arms.] Omitted by the Federal Laws

(Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 11. Power to establish searching stations

The 3[Federa1 Government] 6* * * may, at any places along the boundary-line between 2[Pakistan] and foreign territory 7* * *, and at such distance within such line as it deems expedient, establish, searching -posts at which all vessels, carts and baggage-animals, and all boxes, bales and packages in transit, may be stopped and searched for arms, ammunition and military stores by any officer empowered by 8[the Federal Government] in this behalf by name or in virtue of his office.

12. [Arrest of persons conveying arms, etc., under suspi cious circumstances. Procedure where arrest made by person not Magistrate or Police officer. ] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

1Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for “sea or by land”.

2Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s.3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for “the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.”

3Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government” which was subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

4Subs. by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for “Sea Customs Act, 1878”.

5Subs. ibid., for “16”.

6The words “with the previous sanction of the Governor General in Council” rep., by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table for “Central Govt.” which was subs. by A.O., 1973, for “C.G.”. 7The words “or between a Province and an Acceding State”, which were ins. by A.O., 1949, Sch., have been omitted by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. 8The original words “such Govt.” as amended by A. O., 1937, has been subs. by F. A. O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, to read as above.

Section 13. [Prohibition of going armed without license.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and

Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 14. [Un-licensed possession of fire-arms, etc.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and

Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

15. [Possession of arms of any description without license prohibited in certain places.]

Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s.3 and IInd Sch.

Section 16. [In Certain cases arms to be deposited at police station or with licensed dealers.] Omitted

by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. V.-LICENCES

Section 17. Power to make rule as to licenses

The 1[appropriate Government] may from time to time, by notification in the 2[official Gazette], make rules to determine the officers by whom the form in which, and the terms and conditions on and subject to which, any license shall be granted3; and may by such rules among other matters–

(a) fix the period for which such license shall continue in force;

(b) fix a fee payable by stamp or otherwise in respect of any such license granted in a place to which section 32, clause 2, of Act No. XXXI of 1860 4 applies at the time this Act comes into force or in respect of any such license other than a license for possession granted in any other place;

(c) direct that the holder of any such license other than a license for possession shall keep a record or acc ount, in such form as the 1[appropriate Government] may prescribe, of anything done under such license, and exhibit such record or account when called upon by an officer of Government to do so ;

(d) empower any officer of Government to enter and ins pect any premises in which arms, ammu nition or mili tary stores are manufactured or kept by any person holding a license of the description referred to in section 5 or section 6 ;

(e) direct that any such person shall exhibit the entire stock of arms, ammuni tion and military stores in his possession or under his control to any officer of Government so empowered; and

(f) require the person holding any license or acting under any license to produce the same, and to produce or account for the arms, ammunition or military stores covered by the same when called upon by an officer of Government so to do.

________________________________________________________________________________

1Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O., 1937, for “G. G. in C.”.

2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”.

3For Rules as to licenses, see the Indian Arms Rules, 1924, Genl. R. & O., Vol-II. 4Act 31 of 1860 was rep. by s. 3 of this Act.

Section 18. Cancelling and suspension of license

Any license may be cancelled or suspended–

(a) by the officer by whom the same was granted, or by any authority to which he may be subordinate, or by any 1[District Coordination Officer], 2* * *, within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the holder of such license may be, when, for reasons to be recorded in writing, such officer 1[or authority] 3* * * deems it necessary for the security of the public peace to cancel or suspend such license; or

(b) by any Judge or Magistrate before whom the holder of such license is convicted of an offence against this Act, or against the rules made under this Act; and

4[the 5[appropriate Government] may by a notification in the official Gazette cancel or suspend all or any licenses through out 6[Pakistan or the Province, as the case may be , or any part thereof]].

VI.-PENALTIES

Section 719. For breach of sections 5, 6, 10, 13 to 17. Whoever commits any of the following offences (namely)

8[(a) manufactures or converts any arms, ammunition or militar y stores in contravention of the provisions of section 5;]

9* * * * * * *

(c) imports or exports any arms ammunition or military stores in contravention of the provisions of section 6;

9* * * * * * *

9* * * * * * *

9* * * * * * *

(g) intentionally makes any false ent ry in a record or ac count which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (c), he is required to keep;

(h) intentionally fails to exhibit anything which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (e), he is required to exhibit ; or

10* * * * * * * shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

[11] Section 20. For secret breaches of sections 5 and 6

Whoever does any act mentioned in clause (a) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1Subs. by Ord. 66 of 2001, S.1 and sch 2The words “or Commissioner of Police in a presidency-town” omitted by A. O., 1949, Sch.

3The words “or Commissioner” omitted, ibid.

4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “the L. G. may at its discretion, by a notification in the local official Gazette, cancel or suspend all or any licences throughout the whole or any portion of the territories under its administration.”

5Subs. by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government”.

6The original words “the whole or any portion of British India” were first subs. by A. O., 1949, Sch. and then amended by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955) and A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., to read as

above. 7Offences under this section are bailable, see Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act 5 of 1898), Sch., II. 8Clause (a) subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for the original clause (a). 9Clauses (b), (d), (e) and (f) omitted ibid. 10Clause (i) omitted ibid.

11Subs. ibid., for the original section 20.

or (c) of section 19, in such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known to any public servant as defined in the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), or to any person employed upon a railway or to the servant of any public carrier shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine, or with both.].

Section 21. For breach of license

Whoever, in violation of a condition subject to which a license has been granted, does or omits to do any act shall, when the do ing or omitting to do such act is not punishable under section 19 or section 20, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.

Section 22. [For knowingly purchasing arms, etc., from un-licensed person

For delivering arms, etc., to person not authorised to possess them.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declarat ion) Ordinance 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 23. Penalty for breach of rule

Any person vi olating any rule made under this Act, and for the violation of which no penalty is provided by this Act, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with

both.

Section 24. Power to confiscate

When any person is convicted of an offence punishable under this Act, committed by him in respect of any arms, ammuni tion or m ilitary stores, it shall be in the discretion of the convicting Court or Magistrate further to direct that th e whole or any portion of such arms, ammunition or military stores, and any vessel, cart or baggage -animal used to convey the same, and any box, pa ckage or bale in which the same may have been concealed, together with the other contents of such box, package or bale, shall be confiscated.

VII.-Miscellaneous

Section 25. [Search and seizure by Magistrate.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and

Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

26. [Seizure and detention by appropriate Government.] O mitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 27. Power to exempt

The 1[appropriate Government] may from time to time by notification 2 published in the 3[official Gazette],–

4(a) exempt any person by name or in virtue of his office, or any class of persons, or exclude any description of arms or ammunition, or withdraw any part of 5[Pakistan], 6[or of the Province, as the case may be,] from the operation of any prohibition or direction contained in this Act; and

(b) cancel any such notification, and again subject the persons or things or the part of 5[Pakistan] 6[or Province] comprised therein to the operation of such prohibition or direction7. _________________________________________________________________________________

1Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O., 1937, for “G. G. in C.”.

2For exemptions and withdrawals under s. 27(a) see rule 3 and Schedules I to IV of the Indian Arms Rules, 1924.

3Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”.

4For notifn. under this clause, see Gaz. of P., 1953, Pt. I, p. 188 ; and ibid., 1961, Pt. I, p. 247.

5Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960) s.3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for “the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.”

6Ins. by A.O., 1964 Art. 2 and Sch.

7For notification declaring arms, etc., brought into a Pakistan port and declared under manifest to be consignments without transhipment to any port on the sea board of the Persian Gulf , to be liable to the prohibitions and directions contained in s. 6, see No. 902-P., dated 27th April, 1904, Gazette of India, 1904, Pt. I, p. 296. As to exemption of small parcels under certain conditions or of arms, etc., exported under license and i n transit at an intermediate port, see ibid.

Section 28. Information to be given regarding offences

Every person aware of the commission of any offence punisha ble under this Act shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie upon such person, give information of the same to the nearest Police -officer or Magistrate, and every person employed upon any rail way or by any public ca rrier shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie upon such person, give information to the nearest Police officer regarding any box, package or bale in transit which he may have reason to suspect contains arms, ammunition or military stores in respect of which an offence against this Act has been or is being committed.

Section 29. [Sanction required to certain proceedings under section 19, clause (f).] Omitted by the

Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 30. [Searches in the case of offences against section 19, clause (f), how conducted.] Omitted

by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 31. Operation of other laws not barred

Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prevent any person from being prosecuted under any other law for any act or omission which constitutes an offence against this Act or the rules made under it, or from being liable under such other law to a ny higher punishment or penalty than that provided by this Act: Provided that no person shall be punished twice for the same offence.

Section 32. [Power to take census of fire arms.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and

Declaration )Ordinance,1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch.

Section 33. Notice and limitation of proceedings

No proceeding other than a suit shall be commenced against any person for anything done in pursuance of this Act, without having given him at least one month’s previous notice in writing of the intended proceeding and of the cause thereof, nor after the expiration of three months from the accrual of such cause. __________

THE FIRST SCHEDULE. __ [Enactments repealed.] Rep. by the Repealing Act, 1938 (I of 1938), s.2 and Sch.

___________

THE SECOND SCHEDULE. __ [Arms, etc., liable to Duty.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (XII of 1891).

Print contents from the source
CONTENTS  
 __________ 
PREAMBLE 
 
I.-PRELIMINARY 
SECTIONS:  
1. Short title. 
Local extent.  
Savings. 
2. Commencement. 
3. [Repealed.] 
4. Interpretation-clause. 
II.-MANUFACTURE, CONVERSION AND SALE 
5.  Unlicensed manufacture or conversion prohibited. 
 
III.-IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSPORT 
 
6.  Unlicensed importation and exportation prohibited.  
Importation and exportation of arms and ammunition for private use. 
 
7. Sanction of Federal Government required to warehousing of arms, etc. 
 
8. [Repealed.]  
 
9. [Repealed.]  
 
 
Updated till 06.12.2022
 
  
 Page 2 of 10   
 
10.  [Omitted.] 
 
11. Power to establish searching stations. 
  
12. [Omitted.] 
 
IV.-GOING ARMED AND POSSESSING ARMS, ETC. 
13.  [Omitted.] 
14.  [Omitted.] 
15.  [Omitted.] 
16.  [Omitted.] 
 
V.-LICENSES 
17.  Power to make rules as to licenses.  
18.  Cancelling and suspension of license 
 
VI.-PENALTIES 
19. For breach of sections 5, 6, 10, 13 to 17.  
20. For secret breaches of sections 5 and 6.  
For concealing arms, etc.  
21. For breach of license.  
22. [Omitted.] 
23. Penalty for breach of rule. 
24. Power to confiscate. 
 
VII.-MISCELLANEOUS 
25.  [Omitted.]  
26.  [Omitted.]  
27.  Power to exempt.  
28.  Information to be given regarding offences. 
29.  [Omitted.]  
 
  
 Page 3 of 10   
 
30.  [Omitted.]  
31.  Operation of other laws not barred. 
32.  [Omitted.]  
33.  Notice and limitation of proceedings.
Compare the original stored transcription

Exact source transcription retained, including print layout and extraction artifacts. Text SHA-256: 226771be83e7f4dd05985b66cd271b234bd5b6628ceb9cf8b92bcf6a707086d0.

Page 1 of 10   
 
 
 
 
THE ARMS ACT, 1878 
 
 
 
 
            CONTENTS  
 __________ 
PREAMBLE 
 
I.-PRELIMINARY 
SECTIONS:  
1. Short title. 
Local extent.  
Savings. 
2. Commencement. 
3. [Repealed.] 
4. Interpretation-clause. 
II.-MANUFACTURE, CONVERSION AND SALE 
5.  Unlicensed manufacture or conversion prohibited. 
 
III.-IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSPORT 
 
6.  Unlicensed importation and exportation prohibited.  
Importation and exportation of arms and ammunition for private use. 
 
7. Sanction of Federal Government required to warehousing of arms, etc. 
 
8. [Repealed.]  
 
9. [Repealed.]  
 
 
Updated till 06.12.2022
 
  
 Page 2 of 10   
 
10.  [Omitted.] 
 
11. Power to establish searching stations. 
  
12. [Omitted.] 
 
IV.-GOING ARMED AND POSSESSING ARMS, ETC. 
13.  [Omitted.] 
14.  [Omitted.] 
15.  [Omitted.] 
16.  [Omitted.] 
 
V.-LICENSES 
17.  Power to make rules as to licenses.  
18.  Cancelling and suspension of license 
 
VI.-PENALTIES 
19. For breach of sections 5, 6, 10, 13 to 17.  
20. For secret breaches of sections 5 and 6.  
For concealing arms, etc.  
21. For breach of license.  
22. [Omitted.] 
23. Penalty for breach of rule. 
24. Power to confiscate. 
 
VII.-MISCELLANEOUS 
25.  [Omitted.]  
26.  [Omitted.]  
27.  Power to exempt.  
28.  Information to be given regarding offences. 
29.  [Omitted.]  
 
  
 Page 3 of 10   
 
30.  [Omitted.]  
31.  Operation of other laws not barred. 
32.  [Omitted.]  
33.  Notice and limitation of proceedings. 
 
THE FIRST SCHEDULE. - [Repealed.]  
 
THE SECOND SCHEDULE. - [Repealed.] 
 
 
  
 Page 4 of 10   
 
THE ARMS ACT, 1878 
 
1ACT No. XI OF 1878 
[15th March, 1878] 
 
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to Arms, Ammunition and Military Stores.  
 
Preamble. 
WHEREAS it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to arms, ammunition and 
military stores; It is hereby enacted as follows:__ 
  
I.-PRELIMINARY 
1. Short title Local extent. __This Act may be called the 2* Arms Act, 1878; and it extends to 
3[the whole of Pakistan]. 
Savings. But nothing herein contained shall apply to− 
(a) arms, ammunition or military stores on board any seagoing vessel and forming 
part of her ordinary armament or equipment, or 
 
(b) the manufa cture, conversion, 4[import or export] of arms, ammunition or 
military stores by order of 5[the 6[Federal Government] or any Provincial 
Government], or by a public servant or 7[a member of the forces constituted by 
the Pakistan Territorial Force Act, 1950 (L of 1950)] in the course of his duty 
as such public servant or 8[member]. 
 
1For the Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1877, Pt. V, p. 650; for discussions in Council, see ibid., 1877, 
Supplement, pp. 3016 and 3030; ibid., 1878, Supplement, pp. 435 and 453. 
The functions of the Central Government under certain provisions of this Act, subject to certain conditions, were entrusted to- 
(a) Provincial Governments with their consent, for a period of three years (with effect from the 1st April, 1951), see Gaz. of P., 1951, Pt. I, 
p. 181; and 
(b)    The Chief Commissioner of Karachi, for the period 28th April, 1952 to 31st March, 1957, see Gaz. of P., 1954, Pt. I, p.136. 
The Act has been applied to___ 
(i) Balochistan by Regulation III of 1940 with certain restrictions and modifications. 
(ii) Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., subject to certain modifications; see 
N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950. 
(iii) Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal other than Phulera by the N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950 and 
declared to be in force in that area with effect from 1st June, 1951; see N.W.F.P. Gazette, Ext., dated 1st June, 1951; and 
(iv) The Leased Areas of Balochistan, see the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950, (G.G.O. 3 of 1950); and applied in the Federated Areas of 
Balochistan ; see Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, p. 1499. 
It has been extended to the Balochistan States Union by the Balochistan States Union (Federal Laws) (Extension) Order, 1953 (G.G.O. 4 of 
1953), as amended. 
The Act has been and shall be deemed to has been brought into force in Gwadur with effect from the 8th September, 1958, by the Gwadur 
(Application of Central Laws) Ordinance, 1960 (37 of 1960), s. 2. 
A license granted under the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884), for the manufacture, possession, sale, transport or importation of an explosive 
may be given the effect of a like license granted under the Arms Act. 1878 (11 of 1878), see Act 4 of 1884, s. 15. 
As to further law relating to unlawful manufacture and possession of explosive substances, see the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 (6 of 
1908), ss. 4 (b) and 5. 
This Act bas been repealed in its application to the Province of West Pakistan except certain provisions by West Pakistan Ordinance 20 of 
1965, s. 29 (with effect from the 8th June, 1965). 
The Act has been amended in the N..W.F.P. by the Indian Arms (N.W.F.P. Amdt.) Act, 1934 (N.W.F.P. 1 of 1934) and Sind Act 10 of 1953, 
s.12. 
2The word “Indian” omitted by A. O., 1949, Sch. 
3Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October , 1955), for 
“all the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “the whole of British India”. 
4Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s.3 and IInd Sch., for” sale, import, expo rt, transport, 
bearing or possession”. 
5Subs. by A.O., 1949, Sch., for “any Govt. in British India”, which had been subs. by A. O., 1937, for “the Govt.”. 
6Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”. 
7Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s . 4 and III Sch., for “a member of either of the forces 
constituted” by the Indian Territorial Force Act, 1920 or the Auxiliary Force Act, 1920”, which had been subs. for “a Volunte er enrolled under the 
Indian Volunteers Act, 1869” by the Auxiliary Force Act, 1920 (49 of 1920), s. 35. 
8Subs. ibid., for “Volunteer”. 
 
  
 Page 5 of 10   
 
2. Commencement. This Act shall come into force on such day 1as the 2[Federal 
Government] by notification in the 3[official Gazette] appoints. 
3. [Repeal of enactments.] Rep. by the Repealing Act, 1938 (I of 1938), s. 2 and Sch. 
 
4. Interpretation clause. __In this Act, unless there be something repugnant in the subject or 
context, __ 
 
 “cannon” includes also all howitzers, mortars, wall-pieces, mitrailleuses and other 
ordnance and machine-guns, all parts of the same, and all carriages, platforms and 
appliances for mounting, transporting and serving the same: 
 
4[“appropriate Government” means__  
   
(a)  in relation to military stores; and import, export and inter -provincial trade o r 
transport, the Federal Government ; and  
 
(b) in relation to other matters, the Provincial Government:] 
 
 “arms” includes fire-arms, bayonets, swords, daggers, spears, spearheads and bows and 
arrows, also cannon and parts of arms, and machinery for manufacturing arms : 
 
 “ammunition” includes also all articles especially designed for torpedo service and 
submarine mining, rockets, gun -cotton, dynamite, lithofracteur and other explo sive or 
fulminating material, gun -flint, gun-wads, percussion-caps, fuses and friction -tubes, all 
parts of ammunition and all machinery for manufacturing ammunition, but does not 
include lead, sulphur or saltpetre: 
 
 “military stores”, in any section of this Act as applied to any part of 5[Pakistan], means 
any military stores to which the 2[Federal Government] may from time to time, by 
notification in the 3[official Gazette], specially extend such section in such part, and 
includes also all lead, sulphur, saltpetre and other material to which the 2[Federal 
Government] may from time to time so extend such section: 
 
“license” means a license granted under this Act, and “ licensed” means holding such 
license. 
 
II.- MANUFACTURE, CONVERSION AND SALE 
 
6[5. Unlicensed manufacture or conversion proh ibited.__ No person shall manufacture or 
convert any arms, ammunition or military stores except under a license and in the manner and to the 
extent permitted thereby.]. 
 
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
1Ist October 1878-see Gazette of India, 1878, Pt., I, p. 389. 
2Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2, and Table, for “Central Government” which was subs. by A. O., 1937, for “G.G. in C”. 
3Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”.  
4Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. for the definition. This definition was ins. by A. O., 1964, Art 2 and Sch. 
5Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960) s.3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for 
“the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.” 
6Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. for the original section 5. 
 
 
 
  
 Page 6 of 10   
 
III-IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSPORT 
 
6. Unlicensed importation and exportation prohibited. No person shall bring or take by 
1[air, sea or land] into or out of 2[Pakistan] any arms, ammunition or military stores except under a 
license and in the manner and to the extent permitted by such license. 
 
Importation and exportation of arms and ammunition for private use. Nothing in the 
first clause of this section extends to arms (other than cannon) or ammunition imported or exported 
in reasonable quantities for his own private use by any person lawfully entitled to possess such arms 
or ammunition; but the Collector of Customs or any other officer empowered by the 3[Federal 
Government] in this behalf by name or in virtue of his office may at any time detain such arms or 
ammunition until he receives the orders of the 3[Federal Government] thereon. 
 
Explanation.–Arms, ammunition and military stores taken from one part of 2[Pakistan] to 
another by sea or across intervening territory not being part of 2[Pakistan] are taken out of and 
brought into 2[Pakistan] within the meaning of this section. 
 
7. Sanction of Federal Government required to warehousing of arms, etc. 
Notwithstanding anything contained in the 4[Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969)], no arms, ammunition 
or military stores shall be deposited in any warehouse licensed under section 5[13] of that Act 
without the sanction of the 3[Federal Government]. 
 
8. [Levy of duties on arms, etc., imported by sea.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (XII of 
1891). 
 
9. [Power to impose duty on import by land.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (XII of 1891). 
 
10. [Power to prohibit transport, Transhipment of arms.] Omitted by the Federal Laws 
(Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
 
11. Power to establish searching stations.  The 3[Federa1 Government] 6* * * may, at any 
places along the boundary-line between 2[Pakistan] and foreign territory 7* * *, and at such distance 
within such line as it deems expedient, establish, searching -posts at which all vessels, carts and 
baggage-animals, and all boxes, bales and packages in transit, may be stopped and searched for arms, 
ammunition and military stores by any officer empowered by 8[the Federal Government] in this 
behalf by name or in virtue of his office. 
12. [Arrest of persons conveying arms, etc., under suspi cious circumstances. Procedure 
where arrest made by person not Magistrate or Police officer. ] Omitted by the Federal Laws 
(Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
 
1Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for “sea or by land”. 
2Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s.3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for 
“the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.” 
3Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government” which was subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 
4Subs. by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for “Sea Customs Act, 1878”. 
5Subs. ibid., for “16”. 
6The words “with the previous sanction of the Governor General in Council” rep.,  by F.A.O., 1975,  Art. 2 and Table for  “Central Govt.” 
which was subs. by A.O., 1973, for  “C.G.”.    
7The words “or between a Province and  an Acceding State”, which were ins. by A.O., 1949, Sch., have been omitted by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 
and Sch. 
8The original words “such Govt.” as amended by A. O., 1937, has been subs. by F. A. O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, to read as above. 
 
 
  
 Page 7 of 10   
 
13. [Prohibition of going armed without license.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
 
14. [Un-licensed possession of fire-arms, etc.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
 
15. [Possession of arms of any description without license prohibited in certain places.] 
Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s.3 and 
IInd Sch. 
 
16. [In Certain cases arms to be deposited at police station or with licensed dealers.] Omitted 
by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
V.-LICENCES 
17. Power to make rule as to licenses. The 1[appropriate Government] may from time to 
time, by notification in the 2[official Gazette], make rules to determine the officers by whom the 
form in which, and the terms and conditions on and subject to which, any license shall be granted3; 
and may by such rules among other matters– 
(a)  fix the period for which such license shall continue in force; 
 
(b)  fix a fee payable by stamp or otherwise in respect of any such license granted 
in a place to which section 32, clause 2, of Act No. XXXI of 1860 4 applies at 
the time this Act comes into force or in respect of any such license other than a 
license for possession granted in any other place; 
 
(c)  direct that the holder of any such license other than a license for possession 
shall keep a record or acc ount, in such form as the 1[appropriate Government] 
may prescribe, of anything done under such license, and exhibit such record or 
account when called upon by an officer of Government to do so ; 
 
(d) empower any officer of Government to enter and ins pect any premises  in 
which arms, ammu nition or mili tary stores are manufactured or kept by any 
person holding a license of the description referred to in section 5 or section 6 ; 
 
(e)  direct that any such person shall exhibit the entire stock of arms, ammuni tion 
and military stores in his possession or under his control to any officer of 
Government so empowered; and 
 
(f)  require the person holding any license or acting under any license to produce 
the same, and to produce or account for the arms, ammunition or military 
stores covered by the same when called upon by an officer of Government so 
to do. 
 
 
________________________________________________________________________________ 
1Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O., 1937, for “G. G. in C.”. 
2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”. 
3For Rules as to licenses, see the Indian Arms Rules, 1924, Genl. R. & O., Vol-II. 
4Act 31 of 1860 was rep. by s. 3 of this Act. 
 
 
 
  
 Page 8 of 10   
 
18. Cancelling and suspension of license. Any license may be cancelled or suspended– 
 
(a)  by the officer by whom the same was granted, or by any authority to which he 
may be subordinate, or by any 1[District Coordination Officer], 2* * *, within 
the local limits of whose jurisdiction the holder of such license may be, when, 
for reasons to be recorded in writing, such officer 1[or authority] 3* * * deems 
it necessary for the security of the public peace to cancel or suspend such 
license; or 
 
(b)  by any Judge or Magistrate before whom the holder of such license is 
convicted of an offence against this Act, or against the rules made under this 
Act; and 
 
4[the 5[appropriate Government] may by a notification in the official Gazette cancel or 
suspend all or any licenses through out 6[Pakistan or the Province, as the case may be , or any part 
thereof]]. 
 
VI.-PENALTIES 
 
719. For breach of sections 5, 6, 10, 13 to 17.  Whoever commits any of the following offences 
(namely) :– 
 
8[(a) manufactures or converts any arms, ammunition or militar y stores in 
contravention of the provisions of section 5;] 
 
9*  *  *  *  *  *  * 
 
(c)  imports or exports any arms ammunition or military stores in contravention of 
the provisions of section 6; 
 
 
9*  *  *  *  *  *  * 
 
9*  *  *  *  *  *  * 
 
9*  *  *  *  *  *  * 
 
(g)  intentionally makes any false ent ry in a record or ac count which, by a rule 
made under section 17, clause (c), he is required to keep; 
(h)  intentionally fails to exhibit anything which, by a rule made under section 17, 
clause (e), he is required to exhibit ; or 
 
10*  *  *  *  *  *  * 
shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, 
or with both. 
 
11[20. For secret breaches of sections 5 and 6. Whoever does any act mentioned in clause (a) 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
1Subs. by Ord. 66 of 2001, S.1 and sch 
2The words “or Commissioner of Police in a presidency-town” omitted by A. O., 1949, Sch. 
3The words “or Commissioner” omitted, ibid. 
4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “the L. G. may at its discretion, by a notification in the local official Gazette, cancel or suspend all or any licences 
throughout the whole or any portion of the territories under its administration.” 
5Subs. by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government”. 
6The original words “the whole or any portion of British India” were first subs. by A. O., 1949, Sch. and then amended by the Central Laws 
(Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955) and A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., to read as 
above. 
7Offences under this section are bailable, see Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act 5 of 1898), Sch., II. 
8Clause (a) subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for the original clause (a). 
9Clauses (b), (d), (e) and (f) omitted ibid. 
10Clause (i) omitted ibid. 
11Subs. ibid., for the original section 20. 
 
  
 Page 9 of 10   
 
or (c) of section 19, in such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known to any 
public servant as defined in the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), or to any person employed 
upon a railway or to the servant of any public carrier shall be punished with imprisonment for a term 
which may extend to seven years or with fine, or with both.]. 
 
21. For breach of license. Whoever, in violation of a condition subject to which a license has 
been granted, does or omits to do any act shall, when the do ing or omitting to do such act is not 
punishable under section 19 or section 20, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may 
extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. 
 
22. [For knowingly purchasing arms, etc., from un-licensed person. For delivering arms, etc., 
to person not authorised to possess them.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declarat ion) 
Ordinance 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
 
23. Penalty for breach of rule.  Any person vi olating any rule made under this Act, and for 
the violation of which no penalty is provided by this Act, shall be punished with imprisonment for a 
term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with 
both. 
 
24. Power to confiscate.  When any person is convicted of an offence punishable under this 
Act, committed by him in respect of any arms, ammuni tion or m ilitary stores, it shall be in the 
discretion of the convicting Court or Magistrate further to direct that th e whole or any portion of 
such arms, ammunition or military stores, and any vessel, cart or baggage -animal used to convey the 
same, and any box, pa ckage or bale in which the same may have been concealed, together with the 
other contents of such box, package or bale, shall be confiscated. 
 
VII.-Miscellaneous 
25. [Search and seizure by Magistrate.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
26. [Seizure and detention by appropriate Government.] O mitted by the Federal Laws 
(Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
27. Power to exempt. The 1[appropriate Government] may from time to time by notification 2 
published in the 3[official Gazette],– 
 
4(a)  exempt any person by name or in virtue of his office, or any class of persons, 
or exclude any description of arms or ammunition, or withdraw any part of 
5[Pakistan], 6[or of the Province, as the case may be,] from the operation of 
any prohibition or direction contained in this Act; and 
 
(b)  cancel any such notification, and again subject the persons or things or the part 
of 5[Pakistan] 6[or Province] comprised therein to the operation of such 
prohibition or direction7. 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
1Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O., 1937, for “G. G. in C.”. 
2For exemptions and withdrawals under s. 27(a) see rule 3 and Schedules I to IV of the Indian Arms Rules, 1924. 
3Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”. 
4For notifn. under this clause, see Gaz. of P., 1953, Pt. I, p. 188 ; and ibid., 1961, Pt. I, p. 247. 
5Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960) s.3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for 
“the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.” 
6Ins. by A.O., 1964 Art. 2 and Sch. 
7For notification declaring arms, etc., brought into a  Pakistan port and declared under manifest to be consignments without transhipment to 
any port on the sea board of the Persian Gulf , to be liable to the prohibitions and directions contained in s. 6, see No. 902-P., dated 27th April, 1904, 
Gazette of India, 1904, Pt. I, p. 296. As to exemption of small parcels under certain conditions or of arms, etc., exported under license and i n transit at 
an intermediate port, see ibid. 
 
  
 Page 10 of 10   
 
28. Information to be given regarding offences.  Every person aware of the commission  of 
any offence punisha ble under this Act shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse, the burden of 
proving which shall lie upon such person, give information of the same to the nearest Police -officer 
or Magistrate, and  
every person employed upon any rail way or by any public ca rrier shall, in the absence of 
reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie upon such person, give information to the 
nearest Police officer regarding any box, package or bale in transit which he may have reason to 
suspect contains arms, ammunition or military stores in respect of which an offence against this Act 
has been or is being committed. 
29. [Sanction required to certain proceedings under section 19, clause (f).] Omitted by the 
Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
30. [Searches in the case of offences against section 19, clause (f), how conducted.] Omitted 
by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
31. Operation of other laws not barred. Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prevent any 
person from being prosecuted under any other law for any act or omission which constitutes an 
offence against this Act or the rules made under it, or from being liable under  such other law to a ny 
higher punishment or penalty than that provided by this Act: Provided that no person shall be 
punished twice for the same offence. 
32. [Power to take census of fire arms.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration )Ordinance,1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 
 
33. Notice and limitation of proceedings.  No proceeding other than a suit shall be 
commenced against any person for anything done in pursuance of this Act, without having given him 
at least one month’s previous  notice in writing  of the intended proceeding and of the cause thereof, 
nor after the expiration of three months from the accrual of such cause. 
__________ 
 
THE FIRST SCHEDULE. __ [Enactments repealed.] Rep. by the Repealing Act, 1938 (I of 
1938), s.2 and Sch. 
 
___________ 
 
THE SECOND SCHEDULE. __ [Arms, etc., liable to Duty.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 
(XII of 1891).
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Section 5

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O., 1949, Arts. 3(2) and 4, for “British India.” 6Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. for the original section 5. Page 6 of 10 III-IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSPORT 6. Unlicensed importation and exportation prohibited. No person shall bring or take by 1[air, sea or land] into or out of 2[Pakistan] any arms, ammuniti

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Section 5

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Notwithstanding anything contained in the 4[Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969)], no arms, ammunition or military stores shall be deposited in any warehouse licensed under section 5[13] of that Act without the sanction of the 3[Federal Government]. 8. [Levy of duties on arms, etc., imported by sea.] Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (XII of 1891). 9. [Power to impose duty on import by land.] Rep.

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Section 32

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the period for which such license shall continue in force; (b) fix a fee payable by stamp or otherwise in respect of any such license granted in a place to which section 32, clause 2, of Act No. XXXI of 1860 4 applies at the time this Act comes into force or in respect of any such license other than a license for possession granted in any other place; (c) direct that the holder of any such

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Section 5

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and ins pect any premises in which arms, ammu nition or mili tary stores are manufactured or kept by any person holding a license of the description referred to in section 5 or section 6 ; (e) direct that any such person shall exhibit the entire stock of arms, ammuni tion and military stores in his possession or under his control to any officer of Government so empowered; and (f) requ

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Section 6

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any premises in which arms, ammu nition or mili tary stores are manufactured or kept by any person holding a license of the description referred to in section 5 or section 6 ; (e) direct that any such person shall exhibit the entire stock of arms, ammuni tion and military stores in his possession or under his control to any officer of Government so empowered; and (f) require the perso

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Section 5

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commits any of the following offences (namely) :– 8[(a) manufactures or converts any arms, ammunition or militar y stores in contravention of the provisions of section 5;] 9* * * * * * * (c) imports or exports any arms ammunition or military stores in contravention of the provisions of section 6; 9* * * * * * * 9* * * * * * * 9* * * * * * *

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Section 6

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on of the provisions of section 5;] 9* * * * * * * (c) imports or exports any arms ammunition or military stores in contravention of the provisions of section 6; 9* * * * * * * 9* * * * * * * 9* * * * * * * (g) intentionally makes any false ent ry in a record or ac count which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (c), he is required to keep

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Section 17

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* * * * * * 9* * * * * * * 9* * * * * * * (g) intentionally makes any false ent ry in a record or ac count which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (c), he is required to keep; (h) intentionally fails to exhibit anything which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (e), he is required to exhibit ; or 10* * * * * * * shall be punished with imprison

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Section 17

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cord or ac count which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (c), he is required to keep; (h) intentionally fails to exhibit anything which, by a rule made under section 17, clause (e), he is required to exhibit ; or 10* * * * * * * shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. 11[20. For secret breaches of sections

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Section 20

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7 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for the original clause (a). 9Clauses (b), (d), (e) and (f) omitted ibid. 10Clause (i) omitted ibid. 11Subs. ibid., for the original section 20. Page 9 of 10 or (c) of section 19, in such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known to any public servant as defined in the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), or to any person empl

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Section 19

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se (a). 9Clauses (b), (d), (e) and (f) omitted ibid. 10Clause (i) omitted ibid. 11Subs. ibid., for the original section 20. Page 9 of 10 or (c) of section 19, in such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known to any public servant as defined in the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), or to any person employed upon a railway or to the servant of any publi

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Section 19

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ion of a condition subject to which a license has been granted, does or omits to do any act shall, when the do ing or omitting to do such act is not punishable under section 19 or section 20, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. 22. [For knowingly purchasing arms, etc., from un-licensed person.

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Section 20

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tion subject to which a license has been granted, does or omits to do any act shall, when the do ing or omitting to do such act is not punishable under section 19 or section 20, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. 22. [For knowingly purchasing arms, etc., from un-licensed person. For deliverin

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Section 19

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ms, ammunition or military stores in respect of which an offence against this Act has been or is being committed. 29. [Sanction required to certain proceedings under section 19, clause (f).] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 30. [Searches in the case of offences against section 19, clause (f), how conducted.] Omitted by the F

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Section 19

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clause (f).] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 30. [Searches in the case of offences against section 19, clause (f), how conducted.] Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and IInd Sch. 31. Operation of other laws not barred. Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prevent an

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226771be83e7f4dd05985b66cd271b234bd5b6628ceb9cf8b92bcf6a707086d0
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2915c15b15b5d7b380eebb4a759b9dee46d813843e2010cc13f915e037d564bb
Comparison method
NFKC, typography-equivalent quotation marks, soft-hyphen removal and whitespace normalization; full-text equality required

Download the library source-comparison register

View the recorded official source
Source, version and text details
Recorded title
Arms Act, 1878
Source collection
Federal — this does not establish territorial applicability.
Recorded version
Not supplied in this record
Source snapshot
Not supplied in this record
Legal status
not independently verified
Text quality
Complete stored UTF-8 TXT file recovered byte-for-byte from owned Drive. Source transcription retained verbatim; legal completeness, OCR accuracy and current consolidation unverified.
Recorded quality flags
No additional flags recorded
Stable record
pk-code-041961e6ac6abdd6
Content extent
Legal completeness not independently established
Integrity scope
Stored UTF-8 text and TXT download bytes checked against their recorded hash. This does not establish legal authenticity or currency.
Passage offsets
zero-based Unicode code points and UTF8 bytes; end exclusive
Stored text SHA-256
226771be83e7f4dd05985b66cd271b234bd5b6628ceb9cf8b92bcf6a707086d0

Law, understood
in its full context.

Evolutionary

Examine institutional development, adaptation and correction.

Strategic

Examine authority, purpose and the choices before institutions.

Anticipatory

Explore emerging consequences and the safeguards they require.