Celebratory firing

Independence Day is a hallowed occasion, commemorating the toils of our forefathers and the attainment of freedom. Tragically, the act of celebratory firing on such a day undermines the very ideals we honour. This year, the perilous custom of celebratory firing has claimed two lives and left 85 injured in Karachi alone, offering a painful reminder of the dire consequences this reckless tradition can exact during such occasions.

Marking joyous events such as weddings with celebratory gunfire might seem a cultural expression in Pakistan, but the stark reality is that it puts innocent lives in danger. Bullets fired eventually make their way back to the ground, leaving a trail of casualties and dampening the very essence of celebrations. Cultural norms evolve, and in a modern society, traditions must be scrutinised through the lens of safety and responsibility. It is time to prioritise lives over outdated practices and rethink our cultural narrative. Our celebrations should not bear the weight of unnecessary harm. Respecting the spirit of independence demands that we discard hazardous practices in favour of safer, more meaningful alternatives that truly uphold the occasion’s sanctity.

The government and law enforcement agencies have a pivotal role instilling this. Implementing a blanket ban on celebratory firing is an essential and decisive step toward safeguarding lives. Such prohibition would unequivocally communicate that the reckless practice is intolerable and punishable by law. Simultaneously, the ban should be supported by comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of celebratory firing and the legal consequences associated with violating the ban. Our commitment to a safer, more unified society demands that we move beyond this and craft celebrations that resonate with the principles of unity, pride and progress.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2023.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.