‘Magic wand’ banned

Published September 28, 2012

THE UK government has banned the export of so-called ‘magic wand’ bomb detectors like ADE651 and GT200.

The British foreign minister told the BBC that they were urgently warning all governments that may have bought these devices that the supposed detectors were ‘wholly useless’ at detecting bombs or explosives.

Similar devices are apparently being used at our airports and perhaps some five star hotels in the country.

Will the authorities care to refute the above categorically? If not, who is responsible and who allowed the import of a device which, according to an explosive expert, is nothing more than ‘an empty plastic case’.

HILAL AHMED Karachi

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...