KARACHI, Dec 31: People from different walks of life thronged Clifton beach to celebrate the new year on Wednesday night. As soon as the clock struck at midnight, heralding new year , the deafening sounds from sirens in cars, motorcycles and other vehicles echoed lanes and streets.

Besides, the entire city reverberated with the rattle of guns as the revellers celebrated the new year with aerial firing in Clifton and Defence areas.

Groups of youths were seen dancing and singing at the beach to welcome the new year. A large number of families were also present at the beach in chilly weather to commemorate the event.

The restaurants and eating houses near Boating Basin and all filling stations in Clifton remained closed after sunset on the eve of the new year to avoid any untoward incident.

Police were put on high alert and extraordinary steps were taken to maintain law and order. Special squads had been deployed in all towns, especially in Clifton and Saddar, to keep an eye on anti-social elements. The leaves of police officials had been cancelled and all of them were asked to join their duty.

The government had imposed a complete ban on carrying and display of arms, firing in the air and exploding the crackers. Those found involved in such activity were warned to be booked under the relevant laws. Snap checking of vehicles was conducted on roads and streets throughout the metropolis.