Saima Jabbar
IT was truly heartbreaking to hear the news that my colleague’s 21-year-old cousin died just two days after suffering a head injury from a stray bullet while he was inside his home having dinner with his family in Charsada. The young man was the family’s only son, and his father was abroad, working hard to provide for them.
Who could have imagined such an unfortunate turn of events? A stray bullet striking him in the head while he was safely within his own home is a tragedy beyond words. The pain and suffering experienced by his mother are unimaginable, and she will never be the same after the shocking loss of her son.
While we may not fully comprehend the psychological trauma associated with a stray bullet injury, we can imagine the horrifying scenario: a person enjoying a peaceful family dinner at home or relaxing on the roof of their house, only to be injured by a stray bullet. It underscores the alarming reality that even one’s own home is not always a safe haven from stray bullet injuries.
The issue of stray bullets is not new; it has persisted in various areas of Pakistan for many years. There are numerous reports of people being injured or losing their lives as a result of being struck by stray bullets in different regions of the country.
Just a few months ago, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rawal Division, Faisal Saleem, was injured by a stray bullet fired by exuberant guests during a wedding celebration, and it struck him in the head. In June of this year, a teenage girl standing in the gallery of a house in the Mansehra Colony in Karachi was hit by a bullet in her forehead, tragically losing her life on the spot.
The incidence of morbidity and mortality due to stray bullets is a growing problem in our society. Although the district administration in Charsadda has implemented Section 144 and banned dangerous activities like one-wheeling and festive firing, the number of injuries and deaths caused by stray bullets continues to rise.
Individuals engaging in aerial firing often do not view it as a crime; instead, they consider it a privilege during celebrations. It is imperative to raise awareness about the severe consequences of this social crime through all available means. In densely populated areas, there is no way to predict where these bullets might land, posing a grave risk to innocent lives.
According to The Pakistan Arms Ordinance, 1965 clause Prohibition of going armed without a license: (1) No person shall go armed with any arms except under a license and to the extent and in the manner permitted thereby. According to the Ministry of Interior, license policy is also very tough, and Unlicensed sale and repair is prohibited as No person shall sell or keep, offer or expose for sale, arms, ammunition, or military stores, or undertake the repairs of any arms, except under a license and in the manner and to the extent permitted thereby. So there is a punishment for the offense of showcasing, buying, or selling illegal weapons which without a license may without a warrant be apprehended and such armed ammunition or military stores will be taken away from him.
But despite the laws, cases of stray bullets injuries, and casualties are on the rise in many parts of Pakistan. Even the casualties or injuries occur due to licensed weapons, the person should be charged with attempted murder because he has put other people’s lives in danger while firing bullets on the roads or other public places. Tribal disputes and armed conflicts also contribute to the menace of stray bullets. Efforts to combat this issue must include education and awareness campaigns that emphasize the deadly consequences of celebratory gunfire and the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means. Law enforcement agencies and community leaders must work together to enforce stricter regulations and penalties for those who engage in reckless gunfire.
Every life is precious, and every loss is deeply felt. It’s time to put an end to the heartbreak caused by stray bullets and build a safer, more secure future for the people of this beautiful country. stricter regulations to curb this menace are evident, as preventing the devastation caused by stray bullets remains a pressing concern for Pakistan.
Innocent citizens who have lost their lives due to stray bullets will not return, but we can save more lives by raising awareness, promoting education, and implementing strict rules and regulations pertaining to arms policies and their usage. There is a need to compile data and do research on stray bullet incidents to identify trends, hotspots, and areas in need of specific interventions. Pakistan can Collaborate with neighboring countries and international organizations to combat the illicit arms trade, which is often a source of illegal firearms.
