Kalashnikov & drugs have destroyed Pakistan: CJP Qazi Faez Isa
ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (SABAH): Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Wednesday was angered over the unregulated Kalashnikov licensing in Pakistan, questioning the interior ministry, home departments and law enforcers regarding ease in availability of weapons as well as the acquisition of their licenses. Chief justice has summoned the details of all the Kalashnikov licenses in the country.
The chief justice remarked that Kalashnikov and drugs have destroyed Pakistan, insisting that there is a need to eliminate Kalashnikov culture from Pakistan. “Drugs and Kalashnikovs have destroyed Pakistan. No one goes around carrying Kalashnikovs in big cars with tinted glasses anywhere around the world,” the country’s top judge remarked. CJP Isa said he has also been offered to acquire a Kalashnikov license but he refused to do so and also had written letter on the issue.
Three-member bench headed by CJP Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali heard the bail petition of Kashif.
The chief justice’s remarks came while hearing the bail plea of a petitioner accused of theft of weapons and other valuables. The petitioner, Kashif, has been booked on charges of theft after a citizen’s home was robbed with their weapons also stolen in the robbery.
“How many licenses of prohibited weapons were issued across the country?” the chief justice asked, seeking details from concerned authorities.
The Supreme Court also issued notices to the interior secretary and provincial home secretaries, inspector generals of police of all provinces, attorney general for Pakistan and provincial advocate generals. It has also directed sending a copy of the order to attorney general and advocate generals.
CJP Isa lamented that the police did not demand a license from the person whose weapon was stolen. “The owner himself is confessing that two Kalashnikovs, a pistol and other valuables were stolen.”
He then asked the petitioner Imran Wazi where he got the Kalashnikov from. The permit was issued by DIG Mardar Muhammad Saeed in 2014 for three months time.
The chief justice hinted towards action against the IGs since they were giving away licenses without any verification. “We will write to the interior secretary to return all Kalashnikovs and their licenses,” he remarked.
CJP Isa insisted that guards stand outside homes in Islamabad carrying Kalashnikovs and people are seen standing with Kalashnikovs in schools and markets, while the police don’t dare question people with tinted glasses on their vehicles carrying Kalashnikovs. “If you are afraid, stay at home. They come out to intimidate people and show their influence,” he added.
The chief justice questioned how one knows whether a person with a Kalashnikov is a terrorist or someone else. Chief justice approved the bail plea of the petitioner and directed him to deposit Rs 50 thousand surety bond according to the satisfaction of the trial court. Chief justice said that the case is of further inquiry.