ISLAMABAD, FEBRUARY 19: Pakistan Interior Ministry has warned the peopleagainst display of arms in public saying the offence is punishable withimprisonment for a term extendable to seven years.A spokesman for the ministry said today the display and carrying of armswill be prohibited from March 1, 2000.The display of arms at fairs, gatherings, processions of political,ceremonial or sectarian nature, in the premises of courts of law and publicoffices and in the premises of educational institutions and hotels is acognisable offence, he said.It may be added that such a public display of arms is punishable withimprisonment for a term extendable to seven years, or with fine, or withboth, he said.Same punishment will be applicable for those involved in aerial firings atfestivals or marriage parties, the spokesman further said.The spokesman said the government will enforce the ban on display of arms toensure the safety and security of common man adding that necessaryinstructions in this regard have already been issued to the provincialgovernments for strict compliance.
