Daily Times

KARACHI: The provincial government on Friday imposed a ban on aerial firing, one-wheeling and car racing throughout the province ahead of New Year eve. “It has been observed over the years that juveniles celebrate the New Year’s night with aerial firing, perform wheelies or ride motorcycles without silencers. Youngsters also drive vehicles at high speed, resulting in casualties and fatal accidents,” read a notification issued by Sindh Home Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervez.

It further stated that in order to safeguard the lives of its citizens and to prevent any untoward situation due to aerial firing and one wheeling or racing and to stop acts of nuisance, the government of Sindh deemed it expedient to prohibit these activities. “The government of Sindh, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 (6) CrPC, do hereby impose a complete ban on aerial firing, one wheeling, racing of motorcycles with and without silencers car racing throughout the province on the eve of New Year,” it stated.

“In pursuance of Section 195 (i) (a) CrPC, the SHOs of the police stations concerned are authorised to register the complaints under Section 188 PPC in writing for the violation of Section 144 against the violators of this notification,” it added. In order to ensure no untoward incidents or terrorist attacks, Sindh Police also formulated a stringent security plan. Police stations have also been directed to take measures to ensure the safety of citizens.

Earlier, the ‘Citizens Against Weapons’, a group actively campaigning against weapons in society, had written a letter to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, demanding action against Home Department officials for failing to ban aerial firing in the past. Last year, two children died after being hit by stray bullets.

Published in Daily Times, December 30th 2017.