April 22, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 15, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 21: The government has decided to ban carrying of and display of weapons as part of its policy of maintaining peace.

A plan in this regard would be made public in a couple of days, Adviser to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik told Dawn on Monday.

The adviser said misuse of weapons and their unnoticed display was one of the main reasons for deterioration in the law and order situation. “This is the reason I am giving much emphasis on controlling display and carrying of weapons,” he said.

Mr Malik said provincial governments had been asked to enforce the ban and issue new arms licences with care and after thorough investigation.

Meanwhile, a source in the interior ministry said: “In order to ensure peaceful and tranquil environment devoid of any violence it is imperative to impose this ban.”

However, he made it clear that the ban would not apply to security personnel in uniform.

“The ban will also apply to licensed weapons. Nobody, no matter how influential he may be, will be allowed to carry or display weapons,” the source said.

The government had already imposed a ban on display of even licensed weapons in the country but there was no restriction on carrying them. The source said the provincial governments had been asked to launch an immediate drive against carrying and display of weapons.—Staff Reporter