KARACHI – What began as a day of national pride in Karachi quickly descended into tragedy, as celebratory aerial firing during Independence Day festivities claimed three lives and left at least 82 others wounded.
The nation marked its 78th Independence Day with patriotic fervor and a pledge to uphold the ideals of the Pakistan Movement, but in Karachi, the sound of gunshots replaced the spirit of celebration in many neighborhoods.
According to police, the city’s three zones reported dozens of victims: 30 injuries in East Zone, 43 in West Zone, and 12 in South Zone. Among the dead was an eight-year-old girl in Azizabad, struck in the head by a stray bullet while outside her home. In separate incidents, two elderly men one in Korangi and another in Lyari were killed after being shot in the head and neck.
The injured included 51 men, 24 women, six boys, and one girl. Many were caught in the crossfire while standing on rooftops or streets, watching fireworks and flag-hoisting ceremonies.
Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon, taking serious notice of the bloodshed, condemned the reckless behavior.
“Celebrating does not mean taking someone’s life,” he said, urging citizens to shun aerial firing and find safer ways to mark national events.
Police launched operations across the city, arresting 57 suspects and seizing as many firearms. Authorities confirmed that attempted murder cases have been registered against all those arrested, and they will be prosecuted under the law.
Calling the act “irresponsible and deeply harmful,” IG Memon appealed to the public to ensure that their celebrations bring joy rather than grief to others.
