KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi imposed Section 144 in Karachi for two days on New Year’s Eve – December 31 and January 1 – which prohibits the carrying of firearms, aerial firing and use of pyrotechnics.
The Karachi commissioner said he enforced the ban using Section 144 powers granted by the Sindh Home Ministry.
“I hereby impose a complete ban on carrying/exhibiting weapons, aerial firing and use of firecrackers on New Year’s Eve-2025 within the limits of Karachi Division for a period of two days with effect from December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025,” Naqvi said.
Unfortunately, every year on New Year’s Eve, many people are injured or killed in festive shooting, despite various measures taken by the authorities.
Section 144 of the Criminal Code is a legal provision that empowers the district administration to impose a ban on activity for a certain period of time. The police enforces such a ban and registers cases of its violation.
The ban was imposed on the request of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, South Zone. The DIG said that a lot of youths from different parts of the city would go to the Seaview area on motorcycles and cars for the New Year celebrations, causing traffic jam and inconvenience to the residents of the area.
“Furthermore, it has been observed that on New Year’s Eve, some individuals get involved in aerial firing which may cause unexpected incidents or even loss of lives,” the official said.
Therefore, he requested that a ban on carrying/exhibiting arms, aerial firing and use of pyrotechnics may be imposed to protect the precious lives of citizens.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Police has warned that strict measures will be taken against aerial firing in the megalopolis as it has finalized a security plan to protect the masses.
