Happiest day ends in lockup as Peshawar police detain groom over wedding gunfire

A total of 11 grooms have been arrested in December for celebratory gunfire

PESHAWAR:

Groom Tahir Shah, a resident of Peshawar, would have never imagined that the happiest day of his life — his wedding day —would turn into a nightmare behind bars. However, that is exactly what happened when Peshawar police detained him following celebratory aerial firing carried out by his friends and relatives, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Shah is not alone in this predicament. He is the latest in a series of grooms arrested on their wedding days for allegedly being responsible for customary celebratory gunfire. Since Peshawar police launched a zero-tolerance crackdown on such incidents, ten other grooms have also been taken into custody during their wedding celebrations. With the arrest of Tahir Shah, the total number of grooms detained this month on fire-related charges has now reached eleven.

According to officials, although it is typically the groom’s friends or relatives who fire shots during wedding festivities, the law holds the groom personally accountable. This means that even if someone else discharges the firearm, the groom faces direct legal action. Police have made it explicitly clear that any celebratory gunfire at weddings will not be tolerated, regardless of who fires the weapon.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday night in the jurisdiction of Mathra Police Station during a wedding ceremony. Authorities acted promptly, arresting groom Tahir Shah, who was still wearing a floral garland, and brought him to the police lockup. Photos and videos of the arrest quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the enforcement of law and order in action.

Officials emphasized that celebratory gunfire is not only a serious threat to human life but also spreads fear and panic within the community. As a result, no leniency will be granted. Citizens have been urged to respect the law and ensure that moments of joy do not transform into moments of tragedy.

Peshawar police have further announced that the crackdown will continue with even greater intensity, and all individuals involved in celebratory gunfire will face legal action without exception.