RAWALPINDI: During the Independence Day and Maraka-i-Haq celebrations, authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have directed police and district administrations to increase security and firmly enforce a ban on aerial gunfire, pyrotechnics, drones and quadcopters, kite flying, and pigeon flying. These activities will be held at the Shakarparian Parade Ground and Sports Complex in Islamabad on the evenings of August 13 and 14.
In order to maintain the highest level of law enforcement presence until the celebrations are over, the commissioner, deputy commissioner, regional police officer and city police officer of Rawalpindi have been instructed to completely apply Section 144. To stop aerial firing, kite flying, and pigeon flying in the nearby areas, special attention will be paid to the funnel area close to PAF Base Nur Khan.
A five-kilometer radius surrounding the parade site and PAF Base Nur Khan will be designated a weapon-free zone as part of the precautionary measures. In both cities, notice boards cautioning against aerial firing will be erected in conspicuous places.
During airborne demonstrations, high-rise structures and other critical locations will be closely monitored. All significant roadways that lie within the fly-past path and funnel areas will have police checkpoints installed. There will be a temporary halt to construction on structures along these corridors.
On rehearsal days and during the main events, there will be sufficient police presence in funnel areas, along the fly-past routes, on towering building rooftops and at designated spots. Residents and guests close to the Parade Venue and PAF Base Nur Khan will also get public awareness messages via mobile networks that read,
“You have entered a no firing/weapons-free zone.”
Locals will be urged to notify the appropriate police stations of any infractions. Through careful inspections at city access points, like G.T. Road and the motorway, materials associated with kite flying would be seized and kept out of Rawalpindi.
Authorities have emphasised that the event carries public expectations and represents the Pakistan Air Force’s national image. The top priority is to ensure safety. During the fly-past, low-flying aircraft are at considerable risk of accidents due to fireworks, aerial gunfire, drones, and bird/kite flying.
Police will be more visible on towering buildings, along funnel routes, and during specific search operations due to persistent security concerns. Until August 14, all police officer leaves in the operational division have been cancelled. This includes staff from Dolphin ERU, the Islamabad Traffic Police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, and the investigation wing.
