On the eve of New Year’s Eve, the Lahore district administration prohibited public live performances, fireworks shows, aerial firing, and other festive events.
In light of the severe smog situation in the provincial capital, the district administration has enacted a complete ban on fireworks. All applications for approval to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve were also turned down by the Punjab government.
Due to security concerns and the emergence of omicron covid variant cases, public concerts and other events were banned by the district administration. Aerial firing is strictly prohibited in Pakistan, as a result of the numerous people injured on New Year’s Eve and other occasions.
Last year, at least 20 people were injured in Lahore during a series of aerial firing incidents on New Year’s Eve.
According to police records, at least one person was killed and several others were injured in aerial firing in Karachi on New Year’s Eve 2017. In 2018, 19 people, including women, were injured by bullets. In 2019, 19 people were injured by bullets, including women and children, and 14 people were injured in 2020.
