The Role of Light Weapons in creating internal instability: Case study of Pakistan

Easy availability and free flow of light weapons threaten national peace and stability in any country. The proliferation of SALW in recent years is growingly being recognized as a principle element behind regional and national instability in various parts of the world. The conflicts in the South Asian region are no exception as the supply of illegal arms fuels and intensify them. This situation has proved to be catastrophic in Pakistan and has adversely affected its socio-economic fabric. As the title indicates, this paper is an attempt to analyse the role of SALW in creating internal instability in Pakistan. The paper discusses the various dimensions of the issue, e.g., the situation of human (in-) security, state of instability, the major factors relating to the overall situation, local production and supply of arms, Afghan jihad, various de-weaponisation campaigns and policy issues. The discussion reflects the gravity of the situation and suggests some measures for its improvement.