The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered that all licensed firearms be deposited at respective police stations by January 31 to ensure public safety and order during the upcoming13th National Parliament Election 2026 and the Referendum, scheduled to be held on February 12.

According to a notification issued Sunday, the government has also imposed a strict ban on the carrying or public display of firearms until the conclusion of the election and the national referendum.

However, exemptions are granted to candidates whose nominations have been officially accepted by the Election Commission, as well as their authorized "armed retainers."

The directive follows a specific policy formulated on December 15, 2025, titled the ‘Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy–2025’.

This policy allows "politically important persons" (current or former high-ranking figures) and valid parliamentary candidates to appoint armed guards—or retainers—provided they face a verified security threat as assessed by state intelligence agencies.

The Ministry emphasized that these measures are critical to preventing election-related violence and maintaining law and order.

Local authorities, including all Superintendents of Police, have been directed to enforce the deposition immediately, with the government warning that any violations will result in strict legal action.