Pakistanis get the jitters on hearing firecrackers during marriages

Islamabad, Nov 4 : Pakistanis, who are witnessing a string of terror strikes, are getting the jitters during marriage ceremonies, where bursting firecrackers and firing in the air takes place, as they are unable to distinguish the sound from a suicide attack.

The residents of the garrison city of Rawalpindi told The News that the passion for firing in the air and bursting firecrackers, especially during marriage ceremonies, has become a nuisance for them.

People take firing in the air and noise of firecrackers during a marriage ceremony in their neighbourhood as a suicide attack, the media report said Wednesday.

Residents of various localities said firing in the air and lighting firecrackers in marriage ceremonies was a norm in their neighbourhood.

Mohammad Haq Nawaz, a resident of Adiala Road, said: "Whenever there is a loud bang, people get scared due to the recent spate of terror strikes. It is strange that police do not stop people from aerial firing or using firecrackers".

Gabriel de Souza, a resident of Lalkurti, said that due to the prevailing law and order situation, people should think over the issue and avoid firing in the air and setting off firecrackers during marriage ceremonies.

Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Syed Ashfaq Anwar said there is a ban on firing in the air and bursting firecrackers in marriage ceremonies.

"People should cooperate with police in this matter and inform them if someone resorts to aerial firing or sets off firecrackers in their neighbourhoods. Police will take immediate action against such activities," he was quoted as saying.

Over 200 people have been killed in the recent spate of terror attacks across Pakistan, including capital Islamabad.

The Pakistani army has stepped up its assault in South Waziristan against the Taliban, which has vowed to retaliate.

--IANS