Karachi Independence Day Turns Tragic: 3 Dead, Over 60 Injured in Reckless Celebratory Firing

Karachi(The Uttam Hindu): What should have been a night of patriotic celebration turned into a scene of chaos and mourning on the streets of Karachi. On the eve of Pakistan’s 14th August Independence Day celebrations, indiscriminate aerial firing claimed three lives, including an 8-year-old girl and an elderly man, while leaving over 60 others injured.

According to reports by Geo News, the firing incidents erupted in multiple areas of the city including Liaquatabad, Korangi, Lyari, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Keamari, Jackson, Baldia, Orangi Town, and Paposh Nagar. In Azizabad, the young girl was fatally struck by a stray bullet, while in Korangi, a man named Stephen succumbed to gunshot injuries.

Police described the acts as reckless and criminal, vowing strict legal action against those responsible. ARY News reported that in some cases, the gunfire was linked to personal disputes, old grudges, and even robbery attempts gone wrong.

Authorities have once again urged citizens to celebrate Independence Day peacefully and refrain from life-threatening traditions like aerial firing — a recurring menace in Karachi. In 2024, a similar incident claimed the life of a child and injured more than 95 people.

This year’s tragedy has reignited public outrage and sparked renewed calls to ban and strictly enforce laws against celebratory gunfire before more lives are senselessly lost.