RAWALPINDI:
Before Shab-e-Barat, the district magistrate in Rawalpindi imposed a ban on aerial firing, fireworks, firecrackers, flares, riding motorcycles on roads and riding motorcycles without mufflers to create loud noises in streets, neighborhoods and markets.
All SHOs in the district have been directed 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 to carry out 24-hour security checks and surveillance at major shopping malls, including Nankari Bazaar, a wholesale and retail market for fireworks.
Despite the ban, the sale of fireworks, especially locally made firecrackers and Chinese firecrackers, has increased in Rawalpindi, with traders selling them openly. Fireworks are also being sold through social networks with home delivery.
Police have started preparations for a major operation against fireworks users last night 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 confiscate motorcycles without mufflers.
Due to inflation, the prices of fireworks and Chinese crackers have also increased this year.
Meanwhile, citizens have begun preparations for night prayers at mosques, which will be decorated with flags and colored lights.
After special meetings, Nawafil prayers will be offered and prayers will be given 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 engaging in wasteful activities like fireworks is wrong and taking action against violators is justified.
