Karachi Tests Heightened Security Measures Ahead of New Year's Eve
As Karachi prepares to bid adieu to the outgoing year, the city administration has imposed Section 144, effective for two days, December 31 and January 1, to ensure a peaceful and secure celebration. Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hasan Naqvi, has outlined a comprehensive ban on the use of firecrackers, aerial firing, and the display of firearms to deter any potentially hazardous situations.
With a long history of New Year's Eve incidents in the city, the administration's decision comes as a precautionary measure to safeguard citizens from injuries and fatalities. The ban will be rigidly enforced by the Karachi police, ensuring that no untoward incidents occur amidst the festivities. Section 144, a provision that grants administrators extraordinary powers to restrict gatherings and activities for the maintenance of public order, is a commonly employed measure during significant public events in Pakistan. A parallel imposition, also citing environmental concerns, has been implemented in the district of Kiamari, situated in Karachi, effective December 23, 2024, to February 2, 2025.
The stringent measures were envisioned by Deputy Commissioner Kiamari, Tariq Hussain Chandio, to protect fragile mangrove forests and prevent encroachment on the city's coastal land. This additional initiative may mirror actions taken in other instances where law and order issues have posed concerns, such as in Bannu where Section 144 was enforced for seven days, and during restrictive time periods in Karachi itself, particularly to contain the danger that comes with permitting gatherings and rallies.
While a protest route in the city encountered significant commotion, necessitating enthusiastic diversion of vehicles to uneven roads and maximizing disruption time for commuters, authorities fought their opponents and released adjusted restrictions following contracted times for December 31 and January 1; it made an explicit call to justice for rule predecessor victims under rule 188 throughout the Penitentiary Code of Regulation (CrPC).
