"Drugs And Kalashnikovs Have Destroyed The Country": Pak Chief Justice

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Wednesday lamented that drugs and Kalashnikovs have destroyed Pakistan and insisted on eliminating the "Kalashnikov culture" from the country.

The Supreme Court also issued notices to multiple authorities across the country seeking information about licenses issued for prohibited weapons.

"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," The News International reported quoting the judge's observation during a hearing here.

The chief justice was hearing the bail plea of a petitioner accused of theft. The petitioner, Kashif, was 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.

Directing to send a copy of the order, the Supreme Court also issued notices to the interior secretary and provincial home secretaries, Inspector Generals, Attorney General for Pakistan, and provincial 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," Isa said and then asked the petitioner where he got the Kalashnikov from.

The chief justice hinted towards action against the IG since he was 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, the News International said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)