RAWALPINDI:
The growing trend of children spending Eid money on toy guns has raised serious concerns as stalls selling such toys have been set up on streets and neighborhoods during Eid.
Toy guns, ranging from pistols to replicas of modern weapons such as rifles, Kalashnikovs and machine guns, were openly sold at high prices.
These toys were available between Rs100 and Rs300, while the ammunition packs were sold between Rs50 and Rs80.
Children have been seen playing “cops and robbers” and simulating encounters in the streets after purchasing these toys. This trend has been described as alarming by citizens and observers.
Parents and authorities remained silent spectators despite the widespread sale. Observers have noted that children’s growing interest in games involving weapons reflects a negative trend and requires immediate attention.
Some children said they spent all their Eid money on toy guns and enjoyed playing with them.
Citizens have expressed concern that social media and films inciting violence contribute to this trend and have called for legislation banning the production and sale of advanced toy weapons, allowing only simple toy guns.
Gun violence leaves four dead
Four people were killed and four others injured in separate incidents of violence linked to personal conflicts and financial disagreements in Rawalpindi, police said on Sunday.
According to police, the body of a 42-year-old man, identified as Rashid, was found on the roadside in Rattala Jabr area under the jurisdiction of Gujar Khan police station. He had been shot.
In another incident in Plan II, also in Gujar Khan limits, an argument escalated into gunfire when suspects, including Azan, allegedly opened fire, killing Gultasb. His brother Mumraiz, son Bilal and cousin Yasir were injured. A passerby, identified as Aftab, was also injured after being caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, in Dhamiyaal area, a financial dispute turned deadly when suspects, including Shakeel, allegedly shot dead Faheem Badshah.
Police said the victim had gone to the accused’s store to get his cell phone repaired at the time of the incident. The attackers fled while firing.
In another case in Pind Gondal, under Taxila police station, an argument allegedly arising out of an internal complaint led to the shooting death of Dilnawaz.
