Seaview to remain open on New Year’s eve despite ban on other places

The local administration of Karachi has decided to keep the Seaview beach and its surroundings open for the public on New Year’s Eve (today).

However, Karachi Commissioner Navid Ahmed Shaikh has ordered the police to ensure that all other places and businesses in the metropolis to close by 8pm sharp.

The decision has been taken in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and to maintain law and order in the city.

“Owing to security reasons and on the request of Police Department, I am directed to convey to you the direction of Commissioner Karachi Division to please ensure the closure of all the restaurants and business places at 8pm on the eve of New Year 2021,” a notification issued by Sindh authorities read.

The commissioner also directed the concerned authorities to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the metropolis particularly on the main arteries leading to Seaview.

Sindh Police and Rangers personnel have been deployed at all public places to avoid untoward incident. Besides, the authorities has also imposed a blanket ban on aerial firing and display of weapons.

“When the clock strikes midnight, don’t indulge in aerial firing! Your stray bullet could end an innocent life. Please don’t make your celebration a cause for grief for someone else,” PPP leader Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari said in a Tweet.

The commissioner said the authorities would ensure the implementation of pandemic-related standard operating procedures (SOPs), while Article 144 will be imposed to protect the lives of citizens from aerial firing and other such activities.

He asked deputy commissioners (DCs) to take action against those violating the law.

Moreover, an emergency would be imposed in hospitals, while fire tenders and ambulances would be available at camps set up across the city by the police.

He further instructed the DCs to ensure that street lights in their respective areas are working properly on the day and all manholes were covered.