Pindi imposes ban on New Year revelries

Admin bans illicit liquor, aerial firing, reckless biking and unruly celebrations across city

RAWALPINDI:

On the occasion of the New Year celebrations, the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi and the City Police Officer have imposed a comprehensive ban on the supply and sale of poisonous and illicit liquor.

One-wheeling on motorcycles, riding with removed silencers and reckless motorcycling on public roads have also been strictly prohibited.

In addition, aerial firing, fireworks and all forms of vulgar or unruly gatherings and celebrations in the name of New Year festivities have been banned. Orders have been issued to all Station House Officers (SHOs) of the district's 33 police stations to take immediate action against violators, make arrests where necessary, and impound motorcycles operating without silencers.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that no unlawful or disorderly event would be allowed anywhere in the city on New Year's Eve. He warned that those involved in aerial firing would be arrested immediately and criminal cases registered without delay.

Following strict directives from City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani, heavy police contingents have been deployed across major markets and commercial areas, including Murree Road, Commercial Market and Saddar, with the highest level of security. Local SHOs and patrolling teams will remain active in every bazaar and business centre, with a declared policy of zero tolerance.

The CPO has also ordered immediate action against the transportation, distribution and sale of toxic locally brewed liquor within Rawalpindi and from Islamabad. Police stations where liquor-related cases are already registered have been placed under strict monitoring, and prompt action has been directed against liquor sellers.

Despite these stringent measures, reports indicate that groups of young men have continued preparations for one-wheeling, private gatherings and intense aerial firing. Some youths claimed that aerial firing would begin as soon as the New Year starts at 12:01am, adding that they had already purchased ammunition for various types of weapons.

Observers believe that on Wednesday night, New Year's Eve may witness a tense game of cat and mouse between the police and unruly revellers across the city.