Aerial firing in jubilation has become a great nuisance for the citizens as they expressed deep concern over the indifferent attitude of the police and the district administration towards the sheer violation of the marriage ordinance in the city and its suburbs.
Display of fireworks and aerial firing had become a routine activity during marriages, without which every marriage procession was considered to be incomplete.
Aerial firing had claimed scores of precious lives in the past and the criminal negligence shown by the authorities concerned had proved very disturbing for the citizens.
Secret warehouses located at Narankari Bazaar and Raja Bazaar were stuffed with fireworks which were being sold with impunity.
Social, religious and political circles had demanded from the government to implement the marriage ordinance in letter and spirit, besides bringing the violators to justice to avert any major mishap.
Despite a ban imposed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) as well as the Rawalpindi district government on the use of fireworks and aerial firing, the people were witnessed to be flouting the orders at different functions. In congested areas of Rawalpindi and its suburbs, firing in jubilation had become a routine as there was no one to check the illegal practice.
When contacted, a police official said that due to paucity of manpower it was impossible for them to maintain vigilance over all marriage halls and other marriage functions organized in homes, which made it impossible for them to book the violators according to the law. Public and social forums called upon police authorities to ensure the enforcement of the ban and urged them to take action against the violators.
