Gun Control In Afghanistan: Navigating Complex Terrain

Afghanistan has a reputation for being a land of warring tribes with a long history of conflict. The country's mountainous terrain and poor infrastructure mean that many remote areas are outside of government control, and the police and military are often unable to offer security to civilians outside of a few major towns. As a result, many Afghans feel the need to keep guns for personal safety.

The country's gun laws are complex and often not enforced. Automatic rifles are restricted to government forces and security companies, while handguns are mostly issued to important people. Non-automatic rifles can be obtained for sports and hunting, and the rules regarding shotguns and antique firearms are more permissive, with no good reason required for ownership. Shotguns, including pump-action shotguns, are popular in some regions as self-defence weapons.

Obtaining a gun license in Afghanistan can be a lengthy process, and private citizens are not allowed to carry pistols without a permit. However, private security guards can legally carry arms, and some private civilians in Kabul carry handguns or rifles for personal defence, despite the risk of confiscation by authorities.

The country has a long history of conflict, dating back to the Soviet invasion in 1979. The number of arms in the country rose significantly during this time due to the influx of small and heavy weapons, and many former gunmen armed with AK-47s still move freely throughout the country. Despite country-wide disarmament efforts, it is estimated that there are currently at least 100,000 illegal weapons in Afghanistan, and the rule of law has yet to replace the rule of the gun.

Gun laws in Afghanistan are strict, but the country has a long history of civilian gun ownership

Gun laws in Afghanistan are indeed strict, but the country has a long history of civilian gun ownership.

In the capital city of Kabul, there are three primary small arms markets. The overwhelming majority of modern small arms outside of Afghan government control are technically illegal without a special permit issued by the Ministry of the Interior. Pistol carry licenses can be acquired by private citizens, but it is a very lengthy process involving at least two government officials. Private security guards can legally carry arms.

There is a civilian firearms ownership loophole, similar to neighbouring Pakistan. This loophole includes commercially available shotguns and antiques. As these categories don't fire modern handgun or rifle cartridges used by security forces, they are not considered a threat and are not regulated. In the Kuli-Pushta market, there is a concentration of commercial shotgun shops, with the majority of 12- and 16-gauge shotguns being Turkish imports.

The black market in Afghanistan is also significant. The Mujahideen era and the collapse of the Afghan Army in 1992 left a large number of surplus firearms. During the insurgency against the Soviets, the CIA and Saudi Arabia pumped hundreds of thousands of firearms into the country. This armed the Mujahideen with everything from surplus Lee Enfield No.4s to Norinco Type 56s Kalashnikov copies.

The current Taliban and Islamic State-Khorasan insurgency uses a variety of small arms, often procured through the black market and sometimes captured or purchased from Afghan security forces.

There is also a market sector that is often peddled to tourists or Afghans looking for decorations. These guns range from traditional Afghan flintlock rifles to single-shot breech-loading Martini Henrys.

Automatic rifles are restricted to government forces and security companies

Afghanistan has a complex history of conflict, a widespread culture of arms, and ongoing security concerns, all of which influence its gun laws. While Afghan citizens can legally own guns, the process of obtaining a license and registering a firearm is highly regulated and restrictive.

To obtain a gun license in Afghanistan, applicants must:

• Submit an application to the local police station.
• Provide two passport-sized photographs, a copy of their national identification card, and a completed application form.
• Undergo a background check to ensure they do not have a criminal record or connections to extremist groups.
• Obtain a medical certificate confirming their mental and physical fitness to own a firearm.
• Pass a written and practical test on firearm safety and handling.
• Pay the required fees for the license and firearm registration.

Licenses must be renewed annually, and automatic weapons are typically prohibited for civilian use.

Handguns are allowed but are mostly issued to important people

Afghanistan has a reputation for being a land of warring tribes with a culture of bearing arms. Guns are easily accessible in the country, and the government has tried to implement stricter gun laws. However, the country's mountainous terrain and poor infrastructure mean that many remote areas are outside of the government's control.

Handguns are allowed in Afghanistan, but they are mostly issued to important people. The process of obtaining a pistol carry license is lengthy and requires at least two government officials to take responsibility for the applicant. As a result, some private citizens carry handguns or rifles for personal defense that are technically illegal and can be confiscated if found by the authorities.

The availability of guns in Afghanistan is due to the country's history of conflict and weak governments. The Soviet invasion in 1979 and the subsequent civil war led to a proliferation of small and heavy weapons, with various local commanders amassing large militias. Despite country-wide disarmament efforts, many former gunmen still move freely in the Panjshir Valley, and small arms are widespread.

The current Afghan government has tried to implement stricter gun laws, such as requiring permits for gun owners and attempting to collect illegal weapons. However, the country's fragile democracy, porous borders, and poor law enforcement make it challenging to control the proliferation of small arms.

Non-automatic rifles can be obtained for sports and hunting

Afghanistan has a reputation for being an ungovernable land of warring tribes, where local power struggles and customary or traditional law are maintained by village courts and the use of guns. The country's mountainous terrain and poor infrastructure mean many remote areas are outside the government's control.

The Afghan government has attempted to disarm the population, but with little success. There are currently at least 100,000 illegal weapons in Afghanistan, facilitating conflict and undermining the fragile democracy.

The process of obtaining a gun licence in Afghanistan is lengthy and involves at least two government officials. Private security guards can legally carry arms.

Shotguns and antique firearms are the most permissive category, with no good reason required for ownership

Shotguns and antique firearms are the most leniently regulated category of firearms in Afghanistan. These weapons are not considered a threat to locals, as they do not fire the same cartridges as the security forces. Shotguns are widely available in the Kuli-Pushta market, with most being Turkish imports. The most common brands are UTAS, Dreynayva, and Asil, with prices generally below $500. Pump-action shotguns are the most common, but tactical shotguns with lights, lasers, bipods, and scopes are also available.

The ease of access to shotguns and antique firearms is due to a loophole in the law. While pistol carry licenses can be acquired by private citizens, it is a lengthy process that requires at least two government officials to take responsibility for the applicant. Private security guards can also legally carry arms.

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