Ban on aerial firing, fireworks ahead of Shab-e-Barat

District magistrate orders strict enforcement across garrison city

RAWALPINDI:

Ahead of Shab-e-Barat, the district magistrate has imposed a ban across Rawalpindi on aerial firing, fireworks, firecrackers, sparklers, motorcycle wheeling on roads, and riding motorcycles without silencers to create loud noise in streets, neighbourhoods, and markets.

All SHOs across the district have been ordered to register cases, make arrests, and impound motorcycles in case of violations. Both sellers and buyers of fireworks will be arrested. Instructions have also been issued for 24-hour security checks and monitoring at major commercial centres, including Nankari Bazaar, a wholesale and retail fireworks market.

Despite the ban, the sale of fireworks — especially locally made crackers and Chinese firecrackers — has surged across Rawalpindi, with shopkeepers openly selling them. Fireworks are also being sold through social media with home delivery.

Police have begun preparations for a grand operation against fireworks users on the night before and on Shab-e-Barat.

Dolphin Force personnel will patrol streets and neighbourhoods on motorcycles and make arrests, while traffic police will be deployed at roads and intersections to seize motorcycles without silencers.

Due to inflation, prices of fireworks and Chinese crackers have also increased this year.

Meanwhile, citizens have begun preparations for night-long prayers at mosques, which will be decorated with colourful flags and lights.

After special gatherings, nawafil prayers will be offered and prayers will be made for the progress, prosperity, security, and unity of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.

District Khateeb Hafiz Allama Iqbal Rizvi said that Shab-e-Barat is a night of mercy and blessings, adding that engaging in wasteful activities such as fireworks is wrong and that action against violators is justified.