Pundari warns against political grandstanding on gun amnesty awareness campaigns

Papua New Guinea's Minister for Police, Sir John Pundari, has issued a stern warning against exploiting the National Gun Amnesty Program for political advantage. He called on politicians, aspiring candidates, businessmen, public servants, and community leaders across the nation to refrain from using the initiative as a tool for political grandstanding.

Pundari specifically highlighted the upcoming 2027 National General Elections, cautioning that the gun amnesty should not become a campaign platform. His statement emphasizes the need to maintain the program's focus on its core objective: reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation and enhancing national security.

The minister's appeal seeks to ensure that the gun amnesty program operates with integrity, free from partisan political maneuvering. By discouraging the use of the program for political gain, Pundari aims to foster a more cooperative and effective approach to addressing the issue of illegal firearms in Papua New Guinea.