At least two people were killed and 94 others injured in separate incidents of celebratory aerial firing in Karachi on the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day, officials said on Friday.
Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said 17 injured people were taken to Civil Hospital, 24 to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and 53 to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.
She said a man from PIB Colony and an infant died after being hit by stray bullets. Another woman was also brought to hospital with a gunshot wound and later died. Police, however, said her death resulted from accidental firing.
Earlier, Edhi reported 86 injuries, including 10 women, 17 children and 59 men. Incidents were reported across areas including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Malir, Azizabad, North Nazimabad, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Orangi Town, Jamshed Quarters and Defence.
Police launched a crackdown, arresting 10 suspects in East district and three in West district. Weapons allegedly used in aerial firing were recovered from several suspects.
Despite repeated bans, celebratory gunfire remains common on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.
