Karachi Aerial Firing Injures Over 85 Ahead Of Pakistan Independence Day, Woman Reportedly Killed | VIDEO

At least 85–86 people were injured in incidents of celebratory aerial firing across Karachi on the night of August 13, as people marked the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day, according to rescue officials.

The Edhi Foundation reported around 86 people injured, including 59 men, 17 children and 10 women. However, some media reports put the overall number of injured at around 93.

The incidents were reported across several parts of the city as residents took to the streets to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Hospitals Receive Dozens of Gunshot Victims

Several major hospitals in Karachi treated people injured by stray bullets and aerial firing.

According to figures cited by the Edhi Foundation, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital received 24 injured people, including one woman, four children and 19 men.

Jinnah Hospital treated 35 patients, comprising four women, three children and 28 men, while Civil Hospital received 26 patients, including four women, 10 children and 12 men.

One additional woman was reportedly taken to a private hospital for treatment.

Woman Reportedly Dies After Stray Bullet Hit

A woman was also reportedly killed after being struck by a stray bullet in the Sarafa Bazaar area of Paposh Nagar, according to local media reports.

She was reportedly taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in critical condition but later died.

The incident highlights the dangers posed by aerial firing, in which bullets fired into the air can travel considerable distances before falling and striking people on the ground.

Firing Reported Across Karachi

Reports of celebratory gunfire emerged from several areas of Karachi, including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Malir, Azizabad, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulbahar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Orangi Town, Jamshed Quarters and Defence.

The firing reportedly continued despite repeated warnings from authorities against the use of firearms during Independence Day celebrations.

Police Launch Crackdown, Make Arrests

Karachi police launched a crackdown against people allegedly involved in aerial firing and arrested several suspects.

Reports said 10 people were arrested in the East district, while other accounts put the total number of arrests across Karachi at around 30–31.

Police also reportedly recovered weapons believed to have been used in the firing.

Authorities have repeatedly warned residents that aerial firing is prohibited because bullets fired into the air can cause serious injuries or death when they fall back to the ground.

Annual Independence Day Safety Concern

Despite longstanding bans and repeated police warnings, celebratory aerial firing remains a recurring problem in Karachi during major celebrations, particularly on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.

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The latest incidents have once again raised concerns over public safety, particularly for people who are not involved in the celebrations but can become victims of stray bullets.

The casualty figures also underline the risks associated with celebratory gunfire, with children and women among those injured.

Authorities have continued to urge residents to celebrate without using firearms and have warned that those caught engaging in aerial firing could face arrest and legal action.