Dozens held for promoting gun culture

PESHAWAR: Over two dozen people were arrested in a crackdown against those promoting gun culture through social media platforms.

“The action has been launched against the groups involved in spreading terror in the society by roaming in luxury vehicles with several guards only for the show off. Also, action is launched against those displaying weapons on social media,” said an official.

The official said 18 people were arrested during the crackdown against those uploading videos with weapons on social media.He added the crackdown is underway against those displaying arms in the limits of police stations Regi, Shah Qabool, Daudzai, Khazana, Paharipura and town police.

The video of the arrested accused had gone viral on social media while displaying weapons. Weapons have also been recovered from the accused during the operations.The official said the process of identifying and arresting the TikTokers involved in displaying weapons is going on and special teams have been formed to arrest them.

In the second phase, officials said, the groups roaming with several automatic weapons to spread terror in the society will be held. Most of these groups are involved in land grabbing and other crimes. “Some of them have support of local politicians while others claim they carry automatic weapons after threats to their lives from rivals as well as extortionists,” said an official.