As the world ushered in the New Year, Karachi witnessed a troubling surge in aerial firing incidents that left at least 25 people injured across the city, including women and children, Express Tribune reported. According to police and Chhipa Foundation, celebratory gunfire erupted in multiple neighbourhoods late Tuesday night, with stray bullets striking people in residential and commercial areas. Most of the injured were hit by bullets fired in unknown directions.
Among the victims were 36-year-old Mukhtiar near Chhanesar Goth, 33-year-old Nabeel in Golemar, 40-year-old Naik Muhammad near the New Sabzi Mandi, and 20-year-old Ahmed in Korangi No 5. Children were also affected, including 11-year-old Meh Jabeen in Korangi, seven-year-old Fareeha near Safora Chowrangi, and eight-year-old Faria, who was injured in Korangi No 5.
Other injured included 16-year-old Sham Kumar in North Nazimabad, 65-year-old Haji Zaheer near Johar Mor, 71-year-old Salamat Gul in Manzoor Colony, and several others in areas such as Lyari, Landhi, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Liaquatabad, Garden, Tariq Road, and Qayyumabad. Rescue officials said the injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment.
Meanwhile, police launched a citywide crackdown against aerial firing, arresting at least 59 suspects from various districts. District Central SSP Zeeshan Siddiqui said several arrests were made following raids, during which illegal weapons, bullets and spent shells were recovered.
According to police, 19 suspects were arrested from District Central, 17 from District East, seven from District City, and others from Malir, Korangi, South, West and Keamari districts. Police said cases have been registered against the suspects, and further legal action is underway. Authorities reiterated that aerial firing is a serious criminal offence and warned that strict action would continue under a zero-tolerance policy.
