Aerial Firing During New Year Celebrations Injures 28 in Karachi
Karachi: At least 28 individuals sustained injuries due to celebratory aerial firing across Karachi during New Year’s Eve. Edhi Foundation reported that stray bullets struck numerous citizens, turning festive moments into a source of alarm.
The youngest recorded victim was an 11-year-old girl who was struck in Korangi. This unfortunate pattern of injuries from celebratory gunfire is a recurring issue during significant national events, as noted by SindhNews.com.
Over Two Dozen Injured by Stray Bullets
Hospitals across the metropolis received a significant number of patients. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) admitted sixteen individuals. Among them were a 32-year-old from North Nazimabad and a 71-year-old from Manzoor Colony, showcasing the wide age range of those affected by stray bullets.
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital treated six injured individuals, including an 18-year-old from Liaquatabad. Civil Hospital Karachi attended to four injured people, with one victim hailing from Hub Chowki. Liaquat National Hospital and Sindh Government Hospital also reported admissions stemming from the indiscriminate firing.
Calls for Responsible Celebrations Amidst Aerial Firing
In response to the escalating incidents, the Sindh Police had issued a stern warning prior to New Year’s Eve. Authorities urged citizens to abstain from aerial firing, hooliganism, and dangerous stunts like one-wheeling, emphasizing that strict legal action would be taken against offenders.
First Lady and MNA, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, also implored the public to celebrate responsibly. “Aerial firing costs innocent lives every year. Senseless shooting can turn moments of joy into tragedy. Be responsible and celebrate safely!” she stated via social media, underscoring the preventable nature of these injuries.
The recurring problem of aerial firing injuring civilians highlights the urgent need for greater public awareness and enforcement of regulations to ensure safety during celebratory occasions. The outcome this year unfortunately mirrors past instances, with a significant number of citizens bearing the brunt of unchecked revelry.