Tragic incidents of celebratory firing in Karachi on the eve of Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left 85 others injured, according to officials.
The first incident occurred when a 25-year-old woman, who was traveling on a motorbike with her family, was struck by a bullet fired from an unknown direction as they passed through the People’s Chowrangi area. She was rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where she was pronounced dead by Dr. Summaiya Syed, the police surgeon.
In a separate incident, a man who was sleeping on the roof of his house in Lyari’s Aath Chowk was fatally shot by a stray bullet, as reported by SHO Ghulam Yasin of Baghdadi police station. The man was immediately taken to Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), where doctors declared him dead.
Dr. Syed stated that JPMC received 32 gunshot victims for treatment, including a critically injured youth with a head wound. The injured individuals, ranging in age from 12 to 55, included five teenagers and eight females. Meanwhile, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital treated 32 people with gunshot injuries, including eight teenagers and eight women. CHK received 21 wounded people, ranging in age from seven months to 60 years, with five teenagers and three females among them.
In a disturbing incident, a seven-month-old baby was shot and injured at People’s Square near Burnes Road in the Aram Bagh area, according to Dr. Syed.
Later, the police confirmed the arrest of eight suspects in Karachi for their involvement in aerial firing on Independence Day. The City police statement revealed that six individuals were apprehended in Kalakot and Kharadar, and five pistols were seized from them. They have been charged with attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons, and engaging in aerial firing.
In a separate statement, Central district police reported the arrest of two suspects at Supermarket and Liaquatabad Bridge. Two pistols, including one unlicensed, were discovered in their possession.
These tragic incidents once again highlight the dangers and consequences associated with celebratory aerial firing. It is essential for individuals to celebrate responsibly and avoid engaging in any activities that may harm innocent lives.