Suroosh Alvi, founder of Vice Magazine and VBS.TV, ventures into an area which recently earned the moniker of the “world’s most dangerous area” – the Waziristan tribal area of Pakistan. Pulling some strings, he manages to find a political agent/guide and sets off to visit the world’s largest illegal arms market. Would it be disingenuous to question if there’s a relation between the world’s largest illegal arms market being the world’s most dangerous area? [VBS.TV via CNN]
The market is believed to have its humble origins in the Afghan-Soviet war for which the region served as dumping ground for used arms and ammunition. From ammunition being sold on the roadside like vegetables to a store selling kalashnikov, mausers and ….. grenade launchers, Alvi and his crew embark on a foreboding and somewhat depressing, but yet fascinating trip of the world’s largest illegal arms market.
Some of the highlights to watch out for: the blurb on Pakistan’s quasi cultural renaissance boosted by uncensored television channels in stark contrast to the Taliban takeover of the nation, Naeem Afridi the political agent/guide and his jovial uncle like demeanor, the journey through the rugged and historically immortal Khyber Pass and the wares in display at the gun market.
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