PESHAWAR: The district administration of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has imposed Section 144 to ban the sale and use of toy guns and firecrackers, officials announced Sunday.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to curb the proliferation of toy weapons, which authorities say promote a culture of violence. A notification issued by the district administration warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found selling or distributing toy guns.
“It is necessary to end the toy weapon culture,” a district official said, urging citizens to cooperate with the administration.
The ban is particularly significant ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, a festive occasion when the sale and use of toy guns and firecrackers typically surge. The district administration has vowed to enforce the ban rigorously during the holiday period.
Authorities have not specified the penalties for violating the order but emphasized that compliance is mandatory to ensure public safety and promote a peaceful environment.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some residents applauding the move as a step toward reducing violence, while others argue it may dampen the festive spirit for children.
The district administration has called on parents and community leaders to support the initiative and discourage the use of toy weapons among children.
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This is not the first time such measures have been taken in the region. Similar bans have been implemented in the past, particularly during Eid celebrations, to address concerns over public safety and the normalization of weapon culture among youth.
The enforcement of Section 144 will remain in effect until further notice, officials said.