3 Dead, Dozens Injured in Karachi by Aerial Firing
Independence Day celebrations in Karachi turned tragic as reckless aerial firing led to the deaths of three people — including an eight-year-old girl and a senior citizen — and left more than 60 individuals wounded across the city.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents across multiple neighborhoods reported hearing gunfire as festivities unfolded. In Azizabad, the young girl was reportedly struck by a stray bullet, while in Korangi, a senior man identified as Stephen was fatally hit. Numerous others were injured in areas such as Lyari, Baldia, and North Nazimabad.
Response from Authorities
Emergency services rushed the wounded to hospitals including Abbasi Shaheed, Civil, and Jinnah Medical Centers. Police swiftly acted, making arrests and confiscating firearms and ammunition. Officials condemned aerial firing as “reckless and dangerous,” urging citizens to celebrate peacefully.
Historical Pattern and Call for Change
Aerial firing during public celebrations remains a recurring safety hazard in Karachi. Despite bans and public warnings, minimal enforcement allows such practices to persist. This latest tragedy renews calls from authorities, healthcare professionals, and safety advocates for strict enforcement and public reform.
