Better use

This refers to the news, ‘Seized weapons, liquor destroyed’ and a photograph showing a steamroller destroying them (January 7). The huge stockpile of 1,400 weapons destroyed includes machineguns, sub-machineguns, RPG-7s, sniper rifles and 9mm pistols. What is the wisdom behind destroying these weapons? Is it done to show our hatred towards those who use these weapons? Can this action deter criminals?
The destruction of liquor is understandable as it is banned in Pakistan but destroying weapons is surprising for the simple reason that the confiscated weapons could have been given to the Sindh police after proper documentation for training of recruits in various training centres. There is a need to make proper SOPs about the seized weapons and its disposal so that these can be better utilised.
Mukhtar Ahmed
Karachi