Karachi police spoil New Year’s party

Govt bans motorcycle pillion riding for three days.


Our Correspondent December 31, 2012

KARACHI:


As the world celebrated its way into the New Year, the law enforcement agencies were the ultimate party poopers for the residents of Karachi. 


The Express Tribune explored why Karachi residents always dread the New Year’s eve, instead of celebrating it along with the rest of the world. Around 20,000 young men from all over the city head to the Clifton beach to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Riding motorcycles with mufflers taken out, the groups create a noisy racket throughout the eventful night full of fights, eve teasing, alcohol and celebratory gunfire.

But the authorities have had enough. For this New Year’s Eve, Karachi police came up with a comprehensive plan to ward off rowdy youngsters from enjoying a night out. The Sindh government banned pillion riding on motorcycles, carrying weapons or firecrackers, and driving motorcycles without silencers, in Karachi for the next three days “in view of the volatile security situation”.

The ban, brought into effect at 5pm Monday until January 3, exempted women, children below the age of 12, senior citizens, people with special needs, journalists, law enforcement agencies personnel in uniform and employees of essential services.

Mobile phone networks were also scheduled to go off-air at 5pm but at the eleventh hour - fortunately or unfortunately - the government announced cellphone service will not be suspended.

DHA blockade

All main arteries in Defence leading to the Clifton beach had already been blocked by early evening. “It is true that young men on motorcycles are a nuisance but we haven’t asked the police to barricade the area,” a senior DHA official said, insisting the authority had nothing to do with the closure of roads leading to the beach.

Besides being a popular picnic point, Sea View has been the host to New Year celebrations only until two years ago. Like many others, 22-year-old Azeem Khan said he will try everything to reach the beach. He and 20 other boys from Gulshan-e-Iqbal go on a bike cruise every December 31 as a way to celebrate. “What else do you expect us to do? Go to a mall? We are not invited to parties. And going to the beach is the only way we can party.”

Policing problem

The police defended, however, their strategy. “We do not want to stop anyone from enjoying the New Year night out but there are some other reasons,” said DIG South Shahid Hayat. Thousands of young men come to Sea View but some of them go into the residential areas and disturb private functions and parties, he said. About 1,200 policemen have been deployed.

“We do not want to stop anyone from enjoying the New Year celebrations but the people should avoid going against the laws,” he said. “This is neither Zia’s legacy nor ‘fundamentalist’ mentality but the law.”

For their part, the Sindh government also supported the police’s decision. “A number of innocent lives are lost every year due to aerial firing,” said the chief minister’s spokesperson. “Those who are caught firing in the air will be charged with attempted murder,” he warned.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2013.

COMMENTS (5)

maheen shaikh | 11 years ago | Reply

but they wee firing like there's no tomorrow. felt like i was in a war zone

Ibrahim | 11 years ago | Reply

Great Job Sindh Police! We salute you for this !

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