August 14 Celebrations
ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan approaches its Independence Day celebrations on August 14, the Islamabad Capital Territory’s city administration has implemented a ten-day ban on the sale, purchase, and use of honking toy horns.
This measure, announced by Islamabad’s Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf on Sunday, is aimed at maintaining public peace and order during the lead-up to the national holiday.
The notification, which takes effect immediately, cites Section 144 as the legal basis for this restriction. Section 144 is often used to address public disturbances and maintain public order.
The decision comes in response to concerns about the noise generated by these toy horns, which has been reported to disrupt traffic flow and contribute to public nuisance.
The ban is particularly focused on the honking toy horns commonly sold at roadside stalls and during market activities in preparation for Independence Day.
The local administration has observed that the incessant noise from these items interferes with the regular movement of vehicles and creates disturbances in the city.
The notification outlines that the stock, sale, purchase, and use of these toy horns are now prohibited throughout Islamabad.
This measure aims to curb the potential for noise pollution, which can negatively impact the city’s atmosphere and public comfort.
In conjunction with the notification, Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz, has urged residents to refrain from using these toy horns and has instructed stall owners to cease their sale.
The Deputy Commissioner has also directed assistant commissioners to confiscate any toy horns being sold at stalls, warning that failure to comply with these directives could result in legal consequences.
This decision follows previous efforts in other cities. For instance, a judicial magistrate’s court in Karachi had similarly ordered actions against sellers of toy horns last year as the Independence Day approached.
In 2022, a citizen petitioned the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on such toys due to noise complaints, but the court dismissed the plea.
As Pakistan prepares to celebrate its 77th Independence Day with traditional enthusiasm, this ban is intended to ensure that festivities can proceed without the added disruption of excessive noise, thereby fostering a more harmonious celebratory environment.
