Background:
Aerial firing has been common practice in Pushtun society for a very long time. In rural as well as in urban areas of NWFP, Balochistan provinces and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) people express their happiness, contentment and joy by firing guns into the air during such celebrations as festivals, marriages, and political occasions. This has become a culture and a part of life of the Pushtun society and every year more than 200 people are killed or injured. Common weapons used in this practice are Kalashnikov, pistols (especially .30 bore), shot guns etc.
Brief overview of the campaign:
A campaign against aerial firing was initiated in 2003 by the Community Appraisal and Motivation Programme (CAMP), a Peshawar-based NGO working against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. This year the Police Department of NWFP ran a highly successful campaign against aerial firing before Eid festival during the month of Ramadaan (The Muslims’ Holy month of Fasting). Provincial assembly members and District and Union Council governments significantly extended their support in achieving the campaign goals and objectives. The campaign was launched in several districts of NWFP; prominent among them are Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, and Kohat. The police department involved the Union Council members, shop keepers, trade unions, activists, and provincial assembly members in organising several corner meetings with the community members in the entire province to make sure people understood the dangers of aerial firing and its dire legal consequences. Flyers printed in local languages, posters and notices in local newspapers told people about the issue. Banners, carrying slogans against aerial firing were mounted on walls and vehicles. Local TV channels also carried the story.
Results:
The people of NWFP witnessed a vigorous campaign against aerial firing during the month of Ramadan for the second consecutive year. The campaign was well received and appreciated by the people, which is evident from the sharp decrease in aerial firing incidents on the eve of Eid. Few casualties of minor injuries were reported at one of the busiest hospital of Peshawar. The Police Department deserves congratulation for this constructive step.
For further information contact:
Naveed Ahmad Shinwari
Chief Executive, CAMP
Apartment 1, 1st Floor, Sara Towers,
Khyber Super Market, Backside Qayyum Stadium
Peshawar-Pakistan
Tel/Fax: ++92-91-276135
naveed@camp.org.pk
camp@camp.org.pk |
