Deweapoinstation of Pakistan

Deweaponisation Bill has been welcomed by many corners of civil society. Some have referred to implementation of existing law, which is equally potent if implemented with letter in spirit.

New deweaponisation bill submitted in national assembly has three main areas, namely closing manufacturing of illicit arms production unit, controlling illegal weapons movement and cancellation of weapons licenses issued in the past. These measures have been proposed to control crime in the country. A prudent look into crimes committed clearly indicates that weapons used in crimes are all illegal.

It is good to have a weapons free society, but this is not possible, as history suggests that weapons have been part and parcel of human life. In fact Islam patronises holding of weapon for self defence. Even in developed world citizens are permitted to possess weapon for self defence and sports purposes. Secondly, by closing illegal weapon manufacturing units will amount to denying a large number of people from earning their daily bread and butter.

Most important and potentially dangerous factor in whole this issue being overlooked is prudent approach of our religion, which permits individuals to possess arms. It is for the purpose of self defence; in present era when aggression can take place against any country by a super power on fabricated grounds. In such case a deweaponised society is sitting duck for any aggressor. Enemy is fully satisfied that if they enter Pakistan they will be posed with no threat from its citizens whatsoever, their objective is already achieved by 75%.

Apparently, this brings us to a dead end and it becomes a challenge to control crimes due to illicit weapons being possessed in society. Each challenge has an opportunity associated with it. One should always look at the brighter side.

Tribal areas in Pakistan have been involved in production of arms since very long time. Weapons made in those areas are in no way inferior to the ones made in any developed countries. On the other hand these weapons are very competitive against branded weapons. Need of the hour is to patronize these manufacturers and assist them in becoming part of our growing economy. Through controlled patronization of such units Pakistan can become an exporter of small and sports arm, in international weapons market.

Proper implementation of existing laws and out of the box approach to arms production in the country rules out requirement of deweaponisation bill, with socially accepted freedom to the citizens of this country.