Shab-e-Barat celebrations: Illegal firecrackers openly sold at shops in Gujranwala

Residents say lack of interest, action on police’s part increasing sale of such items

GUJRANWALA: In preparation for Shab-e-Barat, shops in Ghakhar Mandi are stocking up on crackers, china bombs and other explosive fireworks.

A huge quantity of fireworks has infiltrated shops in Ghala Mandi Bazaar, Main Bazaar, Barelvi Bazaar including establishments located on Purana Noora Kot Road. The fireworks and crackers, which are in demand in the days leading up to Shab-e-Barat, become a nuisance for residents, who are inconvenienced as they partake in their daily activities.

Allegedly, these recreational explosives are being supplied to surrounding villages through a select few shops in Thok.Citizens say that the sale of such things is continuously increasing due to a lack of interest and action on the part of the police.

Fireworks have caused many incidents, which have not only damaged property but have also killed several individuals.

The sale of fireworks was banned under the Explosives Act after an executive order from the Punjab and district governments. The National Action Plan also does not allow for the sale of fireworks.

Rescue 1122 data suggests that the production and sale of firecrackers increases manifold during April and May due to Shab-e-Barat.

Last year, on April 25, police launched an operation against sellers after a four-year-old child, Kashif Riaz, died when a firecracker exploded in his house in Ittefaq Town, Hanjarwal. The child, along with his two siblings, was playing when a firecracker exploded in the room causing the bed to catch fire. The flames quickly engulfed the entire room and the child, who was trapped inside the room, was burnt to death.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2018.