Firework usage remains a contested affair

First invented to ward off evil in the second century B.C in ancient Liuyang, China, fireworks have since become a popular display of celebration around the world. In Pakistan, pyrotechnics have remained an unmissable part of events like wedding functions, political rallies, religious festivals, and national holidays, when the night sky lights up with a bang, often startling flocks of resting pigeons and those faint of heart into chaos.

In recent times, the world has started seeing beyond the dazzling skies, deeming fireworks to not be the greenest or the safest choice of entertainment- rather the contrary in fact. Like other countries, Pakistan too has started curbing the frivolous use of fireworks, which only made sense following multiple deadly incidents that the celebratory act has reportedly caused. Currently, the Sindh government holds a ban on the sale of fireworks to unauthorised dealers and individuals, while any use of pyrotechnics without a permit is also prohibited.

However, that hasn’t really done much to stop the illegal production and distribution of pyrotechnic devices, while they continue to be used with impunity in public and private spaces across Karachi. “Most fireworks are imported from China, but there are also illegal factories set up in people’s homes in areas like Orangi Town, Korangi, and Surjani where the explosives are manufactured in secret,” said Hanif Usman, who is a licensed fireworks dealer, adding that such callously produced pyrotechnic instruments have led to various fatal accidents in the past.

Addressing past incidents fire department chief Mobin Ahmed said that flaming debris that falls from the sky after shooting fireworks can lead to hazardous situations. “If it [the debris] lands on any flammable substance it can instantly cause a fire hazard. Two wedding halls in the Nazimabad area have burned to dust due to such accidents, which is why fireworks should only be handled by trained professionals and displayed, if at all, in open spaces only,” the fire chief elaborated.

Medical experts however believe that the use of fireworks should be abandoned altogether, considering they take a severe toll on the environment as well as the individual. According to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre’s ENT specialist Professor Dr Razzaq Dogar, most firecrackers are made from deadly chemicals like Sulphur and Phosphorus. These chemicals, the doctor says, can be transferred to the individual when handling the pyrotechnic devices and eventually make it to their stomach.

“For children in particular this could lead to fatal circumstances, while the buildup of such chemicals within any human being can damage organ function and pose severe health risks. The smoke that is released from the fireworks is also dangerous to inhale, it severely affects the ability of the lungs, especially in young children,” he warned. However, despite the policies against it and the health risks involved, fireworks have somehow managed to remain a popular display at weddings.

Speaking in this regard, Wedding Halls Association President Rana Raees said that all wedding halls in the city prescribe against the use of fireworks at the event, at the time of booking. “That is as much as we can do, but if people still continue to use fireworks, it is the job of the police and the district administration to curb the illegal activity,” he opined. When probed regarding unregulated use of fireworks in the city, Karachi’s Deputy Commissioner District East Asif Jan Siddiqui maintained that the ban is still in place and the local police routinely crack down against those involved in use of fireworks without a permit.

Per DIG West Nasir Aftab, although the police take immediate action if there is any loss of life or property due to fireworks, it is still the prerogative of the government to maintain a blanket ban on their usage, which the police would be happy to enforce. Speaking in this regard, Sindh Chief Minister’s Advisor Waqar Mehdi said that only licensed companies are allowed to manufacture, sell or operate fireworks. “The Sindh government has issued strict action orders against illegal manufacturing, distribution, and operation of firecrackers. If a complaint is received, the police is bound to take immediate action,” he told The Express Tribune.