RAWALPINDI:
Ahead of Shab-e-Barat, the district magistrate imposed a ban throughout Rawalpindi on aerial firing, fireworks, firecrackers, sparklers, plying motorcycles on roads and riding motorcycles without silencers to create loud noise in streets, neighborhoods and markets.
All SHOs in the district have been ordered to register cases, make arrests and impound motorcycles in case of violations. Sellers and buyers of fireworks will be arrested. Instructions were also issued for security checks and round-the-clock surveillance at major shopping malls, including Nankari Bazaar, a wholesale and retail fireworks market.
Despite the ban, the sale of fireworks – including locally made crackers and Chinese firecrackers – has increased in Rawalpindi, with traders selling them openly. Fireworks are also sold on social networks with home delivery.
Police began preparations for a major operation against fireworks users the day before and on Shab-e-Barat.
Dolphin Force personnel will patrol streets and neighborhoods on motorcycles and make arrests, while traffic police will be deployed on roads and intersections to seize motorcycles without silencers.
Due to inflation, the prices of Chinese fireworks and crackers have also increased this year.
Meanwhile, citizens have started preparing for night prayers in mosques, which will be decorated with flags and colorful lights.
After special gatherings, nawafil prayers will be offered and prayers will be made for the progress, prosperity, security and unity of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.
District Khateeb Hafiz Allama Iqbal Rizvi said that Shab-e-Barat is a night of mercy and blessings, adding that indulging in unnecessary activities such as fireworks is wrong and action against violators is justified.
