KARACHI, Dec 30: Police have been put on high alert to face any eventuality during the new year celebrations on Monday night.

A spokesman for the Karachi police said on Sunday that all the police personnel had been asked to report on duty as their leaves had been cancelled.

The police will conduct extensive patrolling in the areas of the city, particularly its southern district which attracts more public than other areas.

The revellers have been warned of strict action if they are found indulged in any kind of violence or indiscipline.

Police squads will also conduct patrolling on horses along beaches in the Clifton and Defence areas, particularly Sea View, which attracts thousands of youngsters.

In addition to that, special police forces will be posted at hotels to check any foul play.

The traffic police have been asked to post extra force on all the roads and busy traffic signals in the southern district to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Firecrackers: For New Year celebrations, the sale of firecrackers has surged in the city during the last two days.

According to a survey, retailers were open on Sunday in various areas of the former East, Central, South and Malir districts.

Residents in many areas complained of noisy nights as teenaged enthusiasts did not even wait for the eve and began setting off fireworks on Friday night.

The wholesale markets of fire-crackers in Jodia Bazar, Empress Market and Liaquatabad witnessed brisk business activity.

“The fire-crackers of various types are available at the range of Rs 5 to 50,” said 15-year-old Fahim, a resident of Landhi area. On the one hand, new year celebrations generate a lot of activity among the revellers, on the other, it creates panic among residents.

“Crackers are so powerful that an ordinary citizen sitting at his home cannot differentiate it from a gunfire,” said 50-year-old Ashfaq, a resident of New Karachi.

Scared people have urged the government to put a ban on the sale of firecrackers.—APP