the sale, purchase, use continues unabated; sparklers, other fireworks are also sold openly
RAWALPINDI:
Despite the ban, Chinese-made firecrackers flooded the streets of Rawalpindi.
Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema imposed a ban on fireworks, firecrackers, aerial firing, wheeling, riding motorcycles without silencers and rowdy behavior on roads on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat. He ordered all SHOs in the district to take strict action, register cases and arrest those involved in sale or use of fireworks, firecrackers and sparklers.
The traffic police have also been instructed to issue challans to those involved in riding motorcycles without silencers and impound the motorcycles if necessary.
Despite these restrictions, the sale of Chinese matchbox-style firecrackers has reached a peak. Children and young people can be seen setting off these firecrackers in the streets and neighborhoods until late at night, causing constant noise from evening until midnight.
These Chinese firecrackers, available in matchbox-sized packets for 100 rupees, are easily purchased by children with their pocket money. Young people often knock them off roofs and throw them into the streets, causing conflicts when they land on neighboring roofs.
Despite complaints, the sale, purchase and use of these firecrackers continues unabated. Sparklers and other fireworks are also sold openly in residential areas.
The city police officer has ordered police stations across the city to register cases against those involved in aerial firing, fireworks and use of firecrackers in Shab-e-Barat.
