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Pakistan — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Pakistan is 18,000,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Pakistan is 11.62 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Pakistan ranked at No. 61

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Pakistan ranked at No. 572

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Pakistan is reported to be 7,000,0003

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Pakistan is 4.374 per 100 people

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Pakistan are reported to have 2,922,5005 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Pakistan are reported to have 418,8716 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Pakistan, annual homicides by any means total

2008: 12,0597
2007: 10,556
2006: 10,048
2005: 9,631
2004: 9,719
2003: 9,346
2002: 9,396
2001: 9,528
2000: 8,906
1999: 9,332
1998: 10,246
1997: 9,304
1996: 9,062

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Pakistan, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2008: 6.348
2007: 6.67
2006: 6.47
2005: 6.35
2004: 4.95
2003: 6.40
2002: 5.13
2001: 6.79
2000: 3.46
1999: 3.49
1998: 7.74

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Pakistan, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence9 10

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Pakistan is ranked 'medium'11

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Home-made Guns

In Pakistan the prevalence of illicit craft, or 'home-made' firearm manufacture is reported to be high12

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Pakistan, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 10 13

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Pakistan is reported to be US$3,650,90914 (2009)

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Pakistan is categorized as 'mid-level'15

Import Control

In Pakistan, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 10

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Pakistan is reported to be US$35,657,79914 (2009)

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Pakistan is reported to be US$28016, or 80-100 for locally assembled, 360-400 for locally assembled with foreign components, and 700-1,000 for a Russian-manufactured original12

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Pakistan, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law17

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Pakistan include18 13 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Pakistan was ranked number 29 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 9.75 points of a possible total of 2519

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Pakistan is categorised as permissive20

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Pakistan is the Pakistan Arms Ordinance 196521

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Pakistan are regulated by the Government22 23

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Pakistan, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law17

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Pakistan, private possession of fully automatic weapons is permitted under licence17

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Pakistan, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence17

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Regulation of Handguns

In Pakistan, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence17

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Pakistan, only licensed gun owners24 25 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Pakistan are not required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm17

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Pakistan, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required17

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Pakistan does not stipulate17 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Pakistan, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required17 for a firearm licence

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Pakistan are permitted to possess any number of firearms17

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Pakistan is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition17

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Pakistan, the law requires18 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Pakistan, licensed firearm dealers are required22 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Pakistan, licensed gun makers are required26 27 18 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Pakistan, State agencies are required26 27 18 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Pakistan, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted28

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Pakistan, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful28

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Pakistan, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined17

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Pakistan, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated17 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Pakistan do not include17 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Pakistan do not include17 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Government

Government regulations in Pakistan do not include17 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Pakistan include29 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Pakistan, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law30 18 27

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Firearm Tracing

In Pakistan, state authorities carry out27 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Pakistan, state authorities do not employ17 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

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Gun Free Zones

In Pakistan, private guns are prohibited in educational institutions, hostels or boarding and lodging houses, fairs, gatherings or processions of a political, religious, ceremonial or sectarian character, and on the premises of Courts of law or public offices31

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Pakistan, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 7 years prison32

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Pakistan are known to have33 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

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Surrendered in Gun Amnesty

In Pakistan, the number of firearms and/or rounds of ammunition voluntarily surrendered for destruction in recent arms amnesty and collection programmes is reported to be 89,00033 (2010)

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Exchanged in Gun Buyback

In Pakistan, the total number of firearms exchanged for monetary or in-kind compensation during recent gun buyback and disposal programmes is reported to be 20,00033

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Small Arms Destroyed

In Pakistan, the total number of firearms destroyed following recent amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 641,10733

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, Pakistan was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office34

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Pakistan abstained from endorsing35 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed36 by Pakistan

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Pakistan committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects37

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Pakistan has submitted one or more national reports38 39 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Pakistan, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated40 39

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Pakistan, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated40

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Pakistan submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is apparent39

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated39 by Pakistan to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Pakistan has not declared1 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Pakistan has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194741

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list42 Pakistan as a Participating State
Last Updated on 9 February 2012

Short References

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Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

Batchelor, Peter.2003.‘Workshops and Factories: Products and Producers.’ Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q2983)Full Citation

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GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Pakistan.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4277)Full Citation

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Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

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Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

7.

Pakistan.2010.‘Crime Reported by Type – Murder.’ Federal Bureau of Statistics, Social Statistics – Crime Statistics 1996-2006.Islamabad:Bureau of Police Research & Development, Federal Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Interior,12 September. (Q2471)Full Citation

8.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘South Asia, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3815)Full Citation

9.

Pakistan.2010.‘Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Framework.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2389)Full Citation

10.

Pakistan.2010.‘Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Framework.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2387)Full Citation

11.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

12.

Batchelor, Peter.2003.‘Workshops and Factories: Products and Producers.’ Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q2982)Full Citation

13.

Pakistan.2010.‘Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Framework.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2388)Full Citation

14.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

15.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

16.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

17.

Pakistan.1965.‘Pakistan Arms Ordinance.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q4156)Full Citation

18.

Pakistan.2010.‘Marking and Record Keeping Requirements.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2392)Full Citation

19.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

20.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

21.

Pakistan.1965.‘Pakistan Arms Ordinance.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2236)Full Citation

22.

Pakistan.1965.‘Power to Make Rules as to Licences.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2243)Full Citation

23.

Pakistan.1965.‘Power of the Federal Government.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2244)Full Citation

24.

Pakistan.1965.‘Unlicensed Possession of Arms.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2242)Full Citation

25.

Pakistan.1965.‘Prohibition of Going Armed Without Licence.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2241)Full Citation

26.

Pakistan.2005.‘Legislation, Administrative Procedures, Law Enforcement.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2394)Full Citation

27.

Pakistan.2010.‘Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Framework.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2390)Full Citation

28.

Pakistan.1965.‘Unlicensed Sale and Repair Prohibited.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2239)Full Citation

29.

Pakistan.1965.‘Power to Prohibit Transport.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2240)Full Citation

30.

Pakistan.2010.‘Marking and Record Keeping Requirements.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2391)Full Citation

31.

Pakistan.1965.‘Prohibition of Keeping, Carrying, or Displaying Arms.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2245)Full Citation

32.

Pakistan.1965.‘Penalties.’ Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (W.P. Ord. XX of 1965).Islamabad:Central Government of Pakistan,8 June. (Q2237)Full Citation

33.

Pakistan.2010.‘Initiatives of Government of Pakistan.’ National Report of Pakistan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations,1 June. (Q2393)Full Citation

34.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

35.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

36.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

37.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

38.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

39.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

40.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

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UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

42.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation