Over 200 arrested for aerial firing, one-wheeling in Lahore

LAHORE: Lahore police have arrested more than 200 people for aerial firing, fireworks and one-wheeling on the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Police said they launched a crackdown to stop these dangerous activities that endanger public safety and disturb the peace.

The police detained 22 people for firing shots in the air and four people for setting off fireworks.

They also registered 160 cases and arrested 181 people for one-wheeling, a stunt that involves riding a motorcycle on one wheel.

One-wheeling, aerial firing, and fireworks are common practices among some youths in Pakistan to celebrate Independence Day on 14 August. However, they also cause injuries, deaths, and damages every year.

According to some reports, at least three people were killed and 80 injured in aerial firing incidents in Karachi on the eve of Independence Day. Aerial firing can also damage power lines and cause power outages.

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Fireworks can also pose a fire hazard and create noise pollution. In 2019, a fire broke out at a fireworks shop in Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar, injuring at least seven people.

One-wheeling is another risky activity that can result in fatal accidents. In 2020, at least six people died and more than 100 were injured in one-wheeling accidents across Punjab province.

Lahore police had set up special squads and checkpoints to stop aerial firing, one-wheeling, and hooliganism. The police had also urged citizens to cooperate with them and avoid violating the law.