sale, purchase, use continues unabated; sparklers, other fireworks are also openly sold
RAWALPINDI:
Despite a ban, Chinese-made fireworks have flooded the streets of Rawalpindi.
On the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has imposed a ban on fireworks, firecrackers, aerial firing, driving, riding motorcycles without silencers and noisy behavior on the roads. He directed all SHOs across the district to take strict action, register cases and arrest those involved in selling or using firecrackers, fireworks and sparklers.
The traffic police have also been directed to issue summonses to persons involved in driving or riding motorcycles without silencers and to impound motorcycles where necessary.
Despite these restrictions, sales of Chinese matchbox-style fireworks have peaked. Children and youths can be seen bursting these fireworks in streets and neighborhoods until late at night, causing constant noise from evening to midnight.
These Chinese firecrackers, available in matchbox sizes at Rs.100, can easily be bought by children with their pocket money. Young people often blast them from rooftops and throw them into the street, leading to disputes when they land on neighboring rooftops.
Despite complaints, the sale, purchase and use of these fireworks continues unabated. Sparklers and other fireworks are also openly sold 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 on Shab-e-Barat.
