Kazakh Parliament Tightens Control Over Security Guards, Guns

The Kazakh parliament has passed the law on security guard activities in its second reading, strengthening state oversight of private security organizations and gun owners.

The law follows the president’s directive and introduces new measures for both civilian and service rifle-bore weapons, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Owners must submit firearms for test firing, and failure to comply will lead the Ministry of Internal Affairs to suspend first- and second-category permits. Legal entities are required to hand over weapons and ammunition to authorities within 10 working days if their activities are suspended.

The law also introduces the concept of a “paramilitary railway guard,” controlled by national holdings or railway companies, tasked with ensuring the protection of cargo and facilities along transit railway routes.