THIS is with reference to the report `Child dies, 32 hit by bullets in New Year celebratory firing` (Jan 02). To mark the beginning of the New Year, countries around the world welcome it in decentand peaceful ways, whereas we turn it into a curse for our own people simply by celebrating it in a hazardous way, jeopardising many a life.

It is common in Pakistan for people to celebrate the New Year, or, for that matter, any occasion, by resorting to aerial firing. Startlingly, hundreds of thousands of rupees are wasted on this meaningless activity. The tragedies that occur simply fail to have an impact on those `celebrating` some other occasion the very next day.

The deafening sound of gunfire keeps people awake well past midnight. It is regrettable that the revellers do not realise what they happen to be doing to their neighbours. It is even more regretrable that all this happens right under the nose of the police force which is supposed to implement the rule of law.

The government should curb all dangerous celebrations,ensuringthe safety and wellbeing of the people. No festivity should come at the cost of public distress and potential harm.

There is an urgent need to implement all possible measures to discourage the use of weapons during celebrations, safeguarding the community and fostering a secure environment for all.

Shoaib Waheed K alhoro Larkana