Karachi and several other cities across Sindh witnessed dangerous incidents of aerial firing on the arrival of the New Year, once again putting citizens’ lives and property at risk. In Karachi alone, the number of people injured in firing incidents has risen to 29.
According to police sources, despite prior security arrangements and preventive measures, gunfire was heard intermittently in various parts of the city, creating fear and panic among residents and disturbing public order.
Police and rescue officials stated that the injured include young girls and women, who were shifted to different hospitals for medical treatment, while the condition of some victims is reported to be critical.
Police said that indiscriminate firing carried out under the guise of celebrations in areas including Korangi, Golimar, Five Star, New Sabzi Mandi, and other localities left citizens wounded. To control the situation, operations were conducted in different parts of the city, during which 56 individuals involved in aerial firing were arrested and weapons were recovered.
Meanwhile, the New Year celebrations also turned bloody in other parts of Sindh. In Hyderabad, four people were injured in incidents of aerial firing, while in Nawabshah, two citizens sustained bullet injuries, prompting police to intensify search operations in the affected areas.
It is worth recalling that the Sindh Home Department had issued a formal notification imposing a complete ban on the display of weapons and aerial firing in Karachi ahead of the New Year. However, several violations of the ban were still reported.
Police officials said that drone cameras were deployed to identify those involved in aerial firing and to collect evidence. Surveillance through drones was carried out in Liaquatabad, Sharifabad, Azizabad, Nazimabad, and other sensitive areas, and video footage of the offenders will be used to register cases against them.
Authorities further stated that more than 16 police stations in the city have been provided with drone cameras to ensure timely and effective action. Officials emphasized that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against the deadly practice of aerial firing, and no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
