CJP Isa calls for end to ‘Kalashnikov culture’

Seeks information on the issuance of licenses for prohibited weapons

ISLAMABAD:

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Wednesday stressed the pressing need to eliminate the "Kalashnikov culture" prevailing in the country.

A three-member bench, led by CJP Isa and including justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali, took up the post-arrest bail plea of a suspect implicated in a case related to the theft of weapons from a residence.

The accused, identified as Kashif, faced charges under sections 395 (punishment for dacoity) and 412 (dishonestly receiving stolen property in the commission of a dacoity) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Legal representatives Shabbir Hussain Gigyani and Muhammad Tariq Khan presented their arguments during the proceedings.

CJP Isa issued notices to Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, the interior ministry's secretary, as well as the home secretaries, police chiefs, and advocate generals of all provinces.

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The notices sought comprehensive information on the number of licenses issued nationwide for prohibited weapons.

Subsequently, the court granted post-arrest bail to Kashif against surety bonds amounting to Rs50,000.

The petitioner, Kashif, faced charges of theft after an individual's home was burglarised, with weapons being among the stolen items.

"How many licenses of prohibited weapons were issued across the country?" inquired the chief justice, urging relevant authorities to furnish the required details.

Expressing dissatisfaction, CJP Isa highlighted that the police failed to demand a license from the weapon's owner. "The owner himself is confessing that two Kalashnikovs, a pistol, and other valuables were stolen," he remarked.

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“It is a crime to own weapons without a licence and the police did not even ask the owner [about it] during the inquiry,” he added.

The chief justice questioned the petitioner about the source of the Kalashnikov, hinting at potential action against the inspector general for issuing licenses without proper verification.

"We will write to the interior secretary to retrieve all Kalashnikovs and their licenses," CJP Isa declared.

Emphasising the prevalence of individuals brandishing Kalashnikovs in public spaces, the chief justice criticised the authorities for their reluctance to question those with tinted glasses on their vehicles carrying such weapons.

"If you are afraid, stay at home. They come out to intimidate people and show their influence," he asserted, questioning the challenge of distinguishing a potential terrorist from others carrying a Kalashnikov.

“How will it be known whether those with Kalashnikovs are terrorists or someone else?” he wondered.