Citizens Seen Behaving Like Wild Animals in 14 August Celebrations

Twelve people lost their lives and hundreds more suffered injuries during celebratory gunfire incidents on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day, according to reports. At least one child among the victims perished when struck by a projectile during aerial firing. A woman who was hospitalized with a gunshot wound met her demise, though it was later determined that her death resulted from a stray bullet.

Edhi, a prominent charity figure, had earlier estimated 86 casualties, including 59 men, 17 children, and 10 women, in Karachi alone. These incidents took place across various neighborhoods, such as Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Malir, Azizabad, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulbahar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Orangi Town, Jamshed Quarters, and Defence.

In response to the chaos, authorities took decisive action, arresting 10 suspects in the East district and three others in the West district. Weapons allegedly used in the firing were seized, as police cracked down on the unlawful celebrations. Despite stringent restrictions, the problem of celebratory gunfire has persisted during Independence Day and New Year festivities in recent years.

The reasons behind the public's riots in Lahore, Multan, and Karachi remain unclear. In 2022, a similar incident claimed the lives of three individuals and left over 100 others injured during Independence Day celebrations.