Like other cities, strict security arrangements have also been put in place in Karachi to prevent hooliganism and aerial firing at the start of the New Year, aiming to ensure public safety and avoid any untoward incidents.
Speaking to the media, Karachi Police Chief Additional IG Javed Alam Odho said that 6,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city for New Year celebrations, adding that no roads will be closed and traffic flow will be maintained through effective traffic management.
He said that in the past, several roads in Karachi used to be blocked on New Year’s Eve, but under the Sindh government’s policy, traffic movement will remain uninterrupted and traffic management measures will be implemented at most locations to facilitate citizens.
The police chief said that in previous years, aerial firing resulted in injuries and loss of lives, but this time all available resources are being utilized to prevent such incidents, urging citizens to refrain from firing as those involved will be identified through Safe City cameras and dealt with strictly under the law.
Javed Alam Odho warned that if aerial firing causes any loss of life, a case will be registered, noting that FIRs, especially against young individuals, can seriously damage their future prospects.
He explained that police clearance certificates are mandatory for passports, visas, and various jobs, and once a case is registered, such certificates are not issued, which can severely impact a person’s future.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has also been imposed across all districts of the Hyderabad Division, banning aerial firing and fireworks on New Year’s night.
According to a notification issued by the divisional commissioner, citizens have been instructed to maintain law and order, and strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the ban.
