Karachi Aerial Firing Injures Over 85 On Pakistan Independence Day Eve, Woman Reportedly Killed | VIDEO

At least 86 individuals were injured in celebratory aerial gunfire across Karachi on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day, according to figures provided by the Edhi Foundation to Dawn. The incidents occurred during celebrations on the night of August 13, with reports of gunfire emanating from various parts of the city. The casualties comprised 59 men, 17 children, and 10 women.

Some sources have suggested the injured count may be as high as 93. A woman reportedly died after being struck by a stray bullet. Major Karachi hospitals treated the victims. Abbasi Shaheed Hospital admitted 24 patients, including one woman, four children, and 19 men. Jinnah Hospital took in 35 patients, consisting of four women, three children, and 28 men.

Civil Hospital treated 26 people, including four women, 10 children, and 12 men. Additionally, one woman was reportedly transferred to a private hospital for further treatment. In Sarafa Bazaar, Paposh Nagar, a woman reportedly succumbed to injuries after being hit by a stray bullet. This incident has reignited concerns over the perils of celebratory gunfire, where bullets launched into the air can fall back to the ground and injure individuals unexpectedly.

Widespread aerial firing was documented from numerous areas of Karachi, including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Malir, Azizabad, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulbahar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Orangi Town, Jamshed Quarters, and Defence. This widespread activity occurred despite authorities' repeated warnings that firing weapons during celebrations is illegal and poses significant public safety risks.

Police conducted a crackdown on those allegedly involved in the aerial firing, arresting around 30–31 people in total. The police also recovered weapons allegedly used in the incident. Authorities have consistently cautioned that celebratory aerial firing can lead to severe injuries and fatalities, particularly since falling bullets can strike people far from the shooting location.