90-day ban imposed on display of weapons in Sindh

The Sindh government, through a notification issued on Thursday, imposed a ban on the display of weapons in Sindh to maintain law and order.

Officials said the 90-day ban does not apply to police and law enforcement officials. Security guards have been instructed to keep weapons inside the vehicle while on duty.

The move is aimed at preventing panic and fear among the public due to the display of weapons, and violation of the notification will be dealt with under Section 144 of the CrPC. The notification reads, “In continuation of this department's order, the government of Sindh, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 (6) CrPC do hereby impose ban on display and brandishing of weapons for a period of (90 days) throughout the province of Sindh with immediate effect, provided that the ban shall not be applicable to the Police personnel, personnel of law enforcement agencies during their duty hours.

“The guards of registered Private Security Companies are allowed to carry weapon at places of duty during duty hours, however display/brandishing of weapon by them is not allowed during movement in vehicles and weapons shall be kept inside the vehicles.

“Further, the Guards shall not display their weapons while patrolling or performing duty in open spaces. They shall make sure that there is no unwarranted display of weapons that may create a sense of insecurity among the general public. In pursuance of Section 195 (i) (a) CrPC, the SHOs of concerned Police Stations are hereby authorized to register the complaints under Section 188 PPC in writing for the violation of Section 144 CrPC against the violators of this Notification.”