Karachi: Three killed, 60 injured in Independence Day aerial firing

KARACHI: Independence Day celebrations in the city turned tragic as three people, including a senior citizen and an 8-year-old girl, lost their lives due to what rescue officials described as “reckless” aerial firing.

More than 60 others were injured by stray bullets during the festivities.

According to rescue sources, the young girl was struck by a stray bullet in Azizabad, while a man identified as Stephen was killed in Korangi. The third fatality was a senior citizen whose identity was not immediately disclosed.

Nation marks 79th Independence Day with renewed resolve

At least 64 people sustained gunshot wounds in incidents reported from multiple areas in Karachi, including Lyari, Orangi Town, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Sharifabad, Sohrab Goth, Korangi, and Malir. Among the injured were six children, one girl, and 17 women. All the wounded were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Police confirmed that 20 suspects involved in aerial firing had been arrested. Officials strongly condemned the practice, terming it both dangerous and irresponsible, and urged citizens to celebrate the national day in safer ways.

Authorities noted that Karachi has witnessed frequent incidents of such violence. In January alone, at least 42 people, including five women, were killed in firing incidents, while 233 others, including five women, were injured.

Meanwhile, Independence Day celebrations began at midnight in Karachi and other cities. Crowds thronged streets, and spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky. Green and white flags adorned buildings, vehicles, and public spaces, while national songs echoed across neighbourhoods.

At Karachi’s Five Star Chowrangi, a special event marked the victory in Marka-e-Haq. MQM Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Anees Qaimkhani, Farooq Sattar, and other leaders attended.

A musical festival with popular singers energising the crowd was also held. Large numbers of people, waving the national flag, gathered at North Nazimabad’s Five Star Chowrangi and the overhead bridge, expressing their love for the homeland.