RAWALPINDI:
Ahead of Shab-e-Barat, the District Magistrate has imposed a ban across Rawalpindi on aerial firing, fireworks, fireworks, sparklers, riding motorcycles on roads and riding motorcycles without silencers to create loud noise in streets, neighborhoods and markets.
All SHOs across the district have been ordered to register cases, make arrests and seize motorcycles in case of violations. Both sellers and buyers of fireworks will be arrested. Instructions have also been issued for 24-hour security checks and surveillance at major commercial centres, including Nankari Bazaar, a wholesale and retail fireworks market.
Despite the ban, sales of firecrackers – especially locally made crackers and Chinese crackers – have surged across Rawalpindi, where shopkeepers openly sell them. Fireworks are also sold via social media with home delivery.
Police have begun preparations for a grand operation against firecracker users the night 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 at roads and intersections to impound motorcycles without silencers.
Due to inflation, the prices of fireworks and Chinese biscuits have also increased this year.
Meanwhile, citizens have started preparing for night-long prayers in mosques, which will be decorated with colorful flags and lights.
After special gatherings, nawafil prayers will be offered and prayers will be offered for 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 engaging in wasteful activities such as fireworks is wrong and action against violators is warranted.
