Sindh bans brandishing weapons amid rise in terror incidents

• Ban comes into effect immediately.
• LEAs have been exempted from ban.
• Ban placed on IG Sindh's request.

KARACHI: The Sindh government Friday imposed a ban on the display/brandishing of weapons for three months (90 days) throughout the province with immediate effect as terrorism rears its head in the country yet again.

The provincial home department, in an order, read: "The inspector general of police, Sindh, vide letter No. 8426-30/AIGP/OPS-II/2023 dates 21.02.2023 has reported that in wake of the recent incidents of terrorism throughout the country and keeping in view the threat reports received from LEAs [law enforcement agencies], there is a dire need to take preventative measures."

The order further mentioned that the provincial government was satisfied that to maintain the law and order situation and to avoid any untoward incident, it is necessary to take immediate measures as requested by the inspector general of police.

Therefore, the government, in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 (6) CrPC imposed a ban on the display/brandishing of weapons for three months throughout the province with immediate effect.

However, the government has provided certain exemptions that the ban shall not be applicable on the following:

• Police personnel
• Law enforcement agencies' personnel
• Security guard of registered private security companies during their duty hours

Pakistan is facing a slew of terror with two major attacks observed in a span of one month. Last week, terrorists attacked the Karachi police office during which four people — including Rangers and police personnel — lost their lives, and 18 people were injured.

Moreover, a similar but more intense incident was reported in late January when a suicide blast was heard in Peshawar as hundreds of worshippers gathered for noon prayers in a mosque that was purpose-built for the police and their families living in a highly fortified zone, with authorities saying that a member of a militant network was behind the attack.