Sir: As members of Citizens Against Weapons, a citizens group working for a peaceful and weapons-free Pakistan, we believe that the only option for Pakistan to eliminate its devouring violence is to work proactively and aggressively towards a weapons-free society. DHA Karachi enjoys a high reputation for its well-managed and well-regulated housing schemes. Sadly, these environments have been destroyed by hundreds of armed individuals and groups, who live in, roam about and menacingly drive around in DHA. These highly armed individuals and militant groups, often accompanied by hooded goons, blatantly carry and display weapons on their person, in their vehicles and in front of their homes. Many have pitched permanent tents, containers or pickets in public spaces. In places, DHA looks more like a war zone and less like a housing society.We urge DHA to take the following initiatives and become the first guns-free housing society in Pakistan.1. Declare the entire area that constitutes DHA as a weapons-free zone.2. Within the premises of DHA, no citizen, regardless of his/her rank or status, should be allowed to possess, carry, sell, store or display any weapon of any kind, licensed or otherwise. Place newspaper/television ads as well as large banners at prominent locations to declare these conditions. 3. Armed guards, individuals or groups in front of any house, on any street or any vehicle within DHA premises should not be permitted.4. Gunfire originating from any house, regardless of the occasion, must be considered a violation of DHA rules with the resident running the risk of cancellation of lease to the said property.5. Residents should be asked to remove all tents, roadblocks, barriers and armed guards outside their gates within two weeks. Residents who do not comply must be heavily fined and their DHA membership revoked.6. All transfers, gifts and purchases of homes/plots/shops must include an affidavit to abide by the gun control rules of DHA.NAEEM SADIQVia Email