Activists in more than 60 countries are joining the Global Week of Action against Gun Violence, organised by the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) across the globe to draw attention to the human cost of gun proliferation and misuse.
The week is an opportunity for the government of Pakistan to listen to the cries of the victims of armed violence and announce its support for strong and effective policies to prevent gun violence and pledge to provide the necessary assistance to all those who suffer the effects of the global epidemic. There is no time to lose, the sooner the better. This was said by Raza Shah Khan Executive Director Sustainable Peace and Development Organisation (SPADO), says a press release issued here on Saturday.
He said: "Pakistan is the victim of gun violence, armed violence is deleterious for any nation and the same is true for Pakistan. It debilitates progress, peace and prosperity and endangers the political stability of a nation. It leaves lasting psychological and physical scars on survivors, besides losing billions in revenue because of target killings and continuous closure of markets in various cities. Five years back Pakistan was the most attracted destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), however, that's not the case now because the government is unable to control the monstrous phenomenon, which has an amalgam of factors providing fuel to the phenomenon to flourish."
He suggested that the following measures are necessaries to make the drive a success including creating awareness on small arms problem, discourage armed violence, support effective implementation of UN Programme of action and de-deionisation of the society, encourage media in highlighting the issues and mobilisation and effective utilisation of youth volunteers in the campaigns.-PR
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