As Pakistan gears up for its 77th Independence Day on August 14, the Islamabad Capital Territory administration has imposed a 10-day ban on toy horns to ensure a peaceful celebration.
A notification from Islamabad Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf, issued on Sunday, makes the ban effective immediately for ten days.
This measure falls under Section 144 due to vendors setting up stalls with Independence Day items such as flags and badges.
The notification specifies: “[…] Additional District Magistrate, Islamabad, […] do hereby prohibit the stock, sale, purchase, and use of horns/whistles in Islamabad, which are likely to disturb public peace and tranquility and cause public nuisance within the limits of Islamabad District.”
Authorities are concerned that toy horns disrupt traffic flow. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz has urged citizens to avoid using these horns and instructed stall owners to halt sales. Assistant commissioners have been directed to seize any toy horns found for sale.
“Using or selling a toy horn may lead to legal consequences,” the official warned.
In past years, similar measures have been taken, including a Karachi court’s action against toy horn sellers and a dismissed plea in Lahore High Court in 2022 for a ban on plastic toy horns and whistles.
The country is set to celebrate Independence Day with its usual enthusiasm and fervor.