2 dead, 92 injured in celebratory aerial firing incidents in Karachi on Independence Day eve

Karachi witnessed a tragic incident on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day, leaving two people dead and 92 others injured due to celebratory aerial firing. The police reported that 17 individuals were taken to Civil Hospital, 24 to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, and 53 to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Among the fatalities, one male from PIB Colony and an infant succumbed to their injuries. Another woman was also admitted with a gunshot wound.

The Edhi Foundation had earlier estimated that 86 people were injured, including 10 women, 17 children, and 59 men. The unfortunate events took place across various districts, including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Malir, Azizabad, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulbahar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Orangi Town, Jamshed Quarters, and Defence.

In response to the incidents, the police in Karachi's East district conducted a crackdown on aerial firing, arresting 10 suspects from different areas. Weaponry used for the aerial firing was recovered from the arrested individuals. Similarly, three suspects were apprehended in Karachi's West district for the same offense. Despite bans imposed by authorities in the past, aerial firing incidents continue to occur on significant occasions like Independence Day and New Year's Eve, resulting in numerous injuries.

Last year, a similar tragedy saw the deaths of three people, including a minor girl, and over 100 others wounded due to celebratory gunfire throughout the city.