Rules Regarding Firearms in U.S.A :
In the U.S.A., the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the National Firearms Act of 1934 are two examples of federal laws that govern firearms in the United States, along with state legislation. State laws, on the other hand, vary widely, with some having stricter regulations than others.
State Law: Under Senate Bill 131, Colorado lawmakers have expanded the list of venues where open or concealed carry of a firearm is forbidden to include courthouses, daycare centers, K–12 schools, colleges, and voting stations.
According to federal law, a person cannot own a firearm or ammunition other than a shotgun or rifle unless they are at least eighteen years old. The person must be at least 21 years old to possess a shotgun or rifle. Additionally, it is necessary that they not be subject to any protective orders or criminal convictions. States have different age requirements when it comes to state laws; for example, Texas has a 21-year-old requirement rather than an 18-year-old one.
Rules Regarding Firearms in India:
India enforces some of the toughest gun control regulations in the world, mainly regulated by the Arms Act of 1959 along with its later amendments. India’s gun laws are among the strictest in the world, with a strong emphasis on regulating civilian ownership and use of firearms. The primary goal of these regulations is to ensure public safety, prevent gun violence, and control the misuse of firearms. While there are provisions for legal ownership under certain circumstances, the process is heavily regulated, and violations of gun laws can result in severe penalties.
The Indian Arms Act, passed in 1959, regulates the acquisition, possession, sale, purchase, manufacturing, transportation, import and export, and licensing of firearms and ammunition. As of the 2016 census, approximately 5 out of every 100 civilians in India own firearms, making it the 120th most armed country. Data also reveals that Uttar Pradesh has over 1.2 million active firearm licenses.
A 2016 Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IMHE) report ranked India third globally in firearm-related deaths, with 26,500 fatalities, following the United States and Brazil. Under the Arms Act, carrying weapons without a license can result in imprisonment and fines. The Act mandates that firearms and even sharp objects, such as knives and swords over nine inches in length, can only be possessed with a valid license issued by local authorities
Rules Regarding Firearms in Pakistan:
Firearms must be transported in specified holsters or containers and cannot be exhibited openly in public. Improper use or display can result in serious consequences, such as the loss of one’s license. Licenses are required to be renewed every five years, and typically, possessing more than two firearms per person is banned according to the 2019 Arms (Amendment) Act of India.
Moreover, in Pakistan, the firearm market is regulated by the Pakistan Arms Ordinance, 1965 and its succeeding amendments. The ordinance was enacted to integrate and improve the regulations concerning the sale, transport, bearing or possession of arms & ammunition or military stores. The law spreads over the whole of Pakistan excluding the Tribal Areas.
The eligibility criteria to possess a firearm in Pakistan include 25 years of age, good mental and physical shape, and a clean background, and they are allowed to apply for the license. In addition, certain necessary documents are to be submitted while applying for the permit, such as a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), proof of residential address and income, and passport-size photographs. These documents must be submitted to the local Deputy Commissioner’s office or the Ministry of Interior.
Continue Reading: Chapter – 4: Gun Licensing and Registration Systems
