The Gun Markets of Pakistan with Suroosh Alvi

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Exploring the Gun Markets of Pakistan

1. Introduction to the Context:

Pakistan has undergone significant changes over the years, with deep contradictions in its population and the presence of the Taliban causing violence in the region. The Pakistani Army is actively fighting the Taliban near the Afghan border.

2. Obtaining Assistance:

• Contact a reliable individual with connections in the area, such as a government official, to assist in navigating the region safely.
• In this case, Suroosh Alvi's mother contacted her friend, the chief secretary of the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, to help arrange a private militia for their visit.

3. Meeting the Host and Preparation:

• Meet with the host, Naeem Afridi, who belongs to the Afridi tribe and works as a protocol officer for the government.
• Naeem helps in organizing a private militia to navigate through the area and ensures safety during the visit to the illegal arms market.

4. Exploring the Illegal Arms Market:

• Visit the illegal arms market in Darra, known as one of the largest in the world, where firearms are replicated using scrap metal from broken-down tanks and guns.
• Witness the process of handcrafting firearms, such as 9-millimeter pistols, and learn about the history of weapon production in the region.

5. Engaging in Shooting Activities:

• Participate in shooting activities at the market and handle various firearms, including the original Khyber rifle and replicas of historical guns like the Nazi gun from World War II.
• Experience the shooting area and engage in target practice under the guidance of local experts.

6. Observations and Reflection:

• Reflect on the living conditions of the people in the region, their craftsmanship in making guns, and the impact of external interventions by the Pakistani Army and US troops on the tribal areas.
• Acknowledge the complexity of the situation in the region, described as one of the most challenging problems by military experts.

7. Conclusion and Cultural Significance:

• Highlight the experience of visiting the gun markets of Pakistan and the need to understand the context and history behind such markets.
• Emphasize the importance of respecting local customs and traditions while exploring sensitive areas like the gun markets.

By following these steps, you can gain insights into the gun markets of Pakistan as depicted in the video "The Gun Markets of Pakistan with Suroosh Alvi" from VICE.