The Punjab police intend to replace Kalashnikov rifles and other old weapons with the latest and more effective M4 assault rifles and other American arms and ammunition and related equipment in order to combat growing threat of terrorism and crime in the province. The provincial government has earmarked millions of rupees for the purchase of modern American weapons. The Punjab police have been using the Russian Ak-47 Kalashnikov rifles for the past many decades. But these are less effective than the American M4 assault rifles, so the police department has felt the need for the latest M4 rifles.
The acquisition of the more effective US weapons has become necessary to deal with better-equipped terrorists and criminals. Experience has shown that AK-47 rifles cannot effectively confront terrorists and criminals who are continually acquiring more sophisticated weapons and employing new and more effective techniques to beat personnel of the law and order machinery. AK-47 rifles have a far shorter range than the American M4 assault rifles. Kalashnikov rifle was introduced by the Russians in the 1950s, and it was acquired by militaries, civilian law-enforcement agencies, armed groups as well as criminal gangs in many countries. The reasons for its popularity were its lower price, easy handling and its efficacy in various climatic conditions.
American weapons and equipment are more effective in combating anti-state elements within the country as well as in repulsing attacks from across the borders. If seen in the context of the Pakistan-US relations, the intended purchase of American arms on such a considerable scale shows that the longstanding relationship between the two countries have not soured as being presented by countries engaged in distorting Pakistan’s image and thus aiming to drive a wedge between the only superpower and a strategically well-placed, Pakistan. The statement of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, during her recent visit to Pakistan, that the US wants to work closely with Pakistan has taken the wind out of the enemy propaganda.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2021.
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