KARACHI: Aerial firing during New Year’s Eve celebrations left at least 25 people wounded across Karachi, prompting swift police action and multiple arrests, officials said on Wednesday.
Rescue authorities reported that gunfire incidents occurred shortly after midnight in several neighbourhoods, including Korangi, Golimar, Five Star, and the New Sabzi Mandi area, as residents welcomed 2026. Five people were injured in these localities alone, while overall casualties included six women and two children.
In a separate incident in Chanesar Goth, a man sustained injuries after being hit by a bullet fired from an unidentified direction, police confirmed. Victims were shifted to nearby hospitals, where most were reported to be in stable condition.
Police said they arrested 56 suspects from different parts of the city on charges related to aerial firing. District-wise operations were carried out throughout the night. In District Central, police detained 19 suspects, while District City officers arrested three individuals. Malir district police took five people into custody, District East arrested seven, Korangi police detained two suspects, and three arrests were made in District West. District Keamari police also confirmed the arrest of two individuals.
Earlier, Karachi police had announced strict measures against aerial firing on New Year’s Eve. Speaking to Geo News, Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Jawed Odho said authorities would use Safe City cameras to identify those involved in unlawful activities.
“There will be no permission for aerial firing or any violation of the law. Such incidents will be registered as attempted murder cases, not as celebratory firing,” he warned.
Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon also urged citizens to avoid gunfire, dangerous stunts, and reckless behaviour, stressing that such actions pose serious risks to public safety.
