THE recent ban on carrying licensed weapons has instilled fear among the citizens who have legally acquired fire arms to protect themselves, their families and properties.

Ironically, criminals are carrying out their activities with impunity with their mostly unlicensed arms. This is a frustrating situation where one is helpless in front of these armed criminals who are now striking without any fear of being retaliated.

Private security guards have also been asked not to carry arms which is again a threat for business community which is already under constant threat by extortionists and kidnappers.

Had the government cleansed the city of criminal elements first and then asked the citizens to keep away their weapons, the decision would have been taken positively. But, at the moment, law abiding citizens are sitting ducks with no protection of any sort.

ARSALAN FARUQI Karachi