Karachi’s Independence Day celebrations took a tragic turn as aerial firing incidents claimed three lives and left at least 82 people injured.
While the nation marked its 78th Independence Day with a renewed pledge to work in the spirit of the Pakistan Movement for a true Islamic welfare state, police reported multiple cases of gunfire across the city. East Zone saw 30 injuries, West Zone 43, and South Zone 12.
An eight-year-old girl in Azizabad died after being hit in the head by a stray bullet. In separate incidents in Korangi and Lyari, two elderly men lost their lives after being shot in the head and neck. Among the wounded were 51 men, 24 women, six boys, and one girl.
Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon condemned the shootings, stating, “Celebrating does not mean taking someone’s life,” and urged the public to refrain from aerial firing.
Police operations resulted in the arrest of 57 suspects and the recovery of as many firearms. Attempted murder cases have been registered, and the accused will face legal action.
Calling aerial firing an “irresponsible and harmful act,” the IG appealed for celebrations that spread joy instead of grief.