Aerial Firing
KARACHI: As Pakistan welcomed the New Year, celebratory aerial firing across major cities led to injuries and arrests, highlighting the risks of such festivities. In Karachi, 29 people, including two women, were injured due to stray bullets from celebratory gunfire.
The incidents occurred in several areas, including Liaquatabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony, and Orangi Town. The victims were rushed to local hospitals, such as Civil Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, for medical treatment.
The police acted swiftly, arresting 30 individuals involved in the aerial firing. Karachi police had earlier issued stern warnings, emphasizing that those caught firing into the air would face charges of attempted murder.
Despite these warnings, the practice continued, leaving many injured. The police crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb dangerous behavior during public celebrations, particularly after repeated incidents of aerial firing during past New Year events.
In Lahore, similar actions were taken, as police detained several individuals for violating laws under the pretext of New Year celebrations. Law enforcement cracked down on aerial firing and hooliganism, which were rampant across different areas.
DIG Operations led late-night visits to various parts of the city to ensure that laws were enforced, leading to the arrest of 15 suspects in Shad Bagh for aerial firing and unruly behavior.
Further arrests were made in Cantt, Hanjarwal, Shahdara, Shafiqabad, and Ichhra, where individuals were detained for their involvement in disruptive activities and dangerous celebrations.
While such incidents of violence and misconduct marred the celebrations, other parts of the country witnessed lively and energetic New Year festivities.
In Karachi, spectacular fireworks displays at Port Grand and the Governor House captivated crowds, with a 40-minute display marking the occasion.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori even claimed that the event set a global fireworks record. Other cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Quetta also enjoyed lively festivities, including concerts, fireworks, and prayers.
In Azad Kashmir, the celebration was unique, with fireworks displayed along the Line of Control (LoC), drawing many locals and tourists.
Smaller cities such as Hyderabad and Gujranwala also took part in the festivities, celebrating with prayers for prosperity and peace in the coming year.
While many marked the occasion with joyful celebrations, the dangers of celebratory gunfire continue to be a cause for concern, leading to calls for stronger enforcement of public safety measures during future events.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
