KARACHI: Section 144 has been imposed across Karachi on the occasion of New Year, under which aerial firing, use of firecrackers and carrying of firearms are prohibited on two days i.e. December 31 and January 1.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi said that he imposed the ban using the powers under Section 144, which is delegated by the Sindh Home Department.
“I hereby impose a complete ban on carrying/displaying of arms, aerial firing and use of firecrackers on the occasion of New Year 2025 within the limits of Karachi Division from December 31, 2024. January 1, 2025,” Naqvi said.
Unfortunately, every year on New Year’s Eve, hundreds of people are injured or killed in celebratory shootings despite various measures taken by the authorities.
Section 144 of the Criminal Code (CrPC) is a statutory provision that empowers the district administration to ban an activity for a specified period. The police enforces such a ban and registers cases for its violation.
The ban has been imposed on the request of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police South Zone. The DIG said that youths from different areas of the city would go to the Sea View area on motorcycles and cars for the New Year celebrations, causing traffic jams and problems for the residents of the area.
“It is further observed that on the occasion of New Year, some people indulge in aerial firing which may lead to untoward incidents or even loss of lives,” the official said.
Therefore, they requested that the carrying/exhibition of arms, aerial firing and use of firecrackers should be banned to protect the precious lives of the citizens.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Police warned that strict action would be taken against aerial firing in the megalopolis as they finalized the security plan to protect the public.