Pak Chief Justice: 'Drugs And Kalashnikovs Have Ravaged the Country'

Pakistani Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has publicly stated that the prevalence of drugs and Kalashnikovs has devastated the nation.

The Supreme Court has sought data on the issuance of prohibited weapon licenses across the country.

In a recent hearing, Justice Isa criticized the widespread 'Kalashnikov culture' and underscored the necessity of eradicating it. He noted that Pakistan's situation, with people flaunting Kalashnikovs in luxury vehicles with tinted windows, is unique and not seen in other parts of the world.

He revealed that he was even offered a Kalashnikov license during the hearing of a theft case where firearms were stolen. The Chief Justice requested statistics on licenses for banned weapons, directing inquiries to various government and law enforcement officials, including the Interior Secretary and Inspector Generals.

Justice Isa expressed disappointment that police did not verify if the stolen weapons were legally owned. He indicated potential action against the Inspector General over lax license issuance and proposed that the government retract all Kalashnikov licenses.

The Chief Justice condemned the display of guns by guards in public places in Islamabad, including schools and markets, and the lack of police intervention. He challenged the necessity of such intimidation and the difficulty in distinguishing holders of Kalashnikovs from terrorists.