Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations in Karachi turned tragic as reckless aerial firing led to the deaths of three people, including an eight-year-old girl and a senior citizen, and injured at least 64 others across the city, rescue officials told Pakistan’s Geo News on Thursday. The incidents occurred in multiple neighbourhoods such as Azizabad, Korangi, Lyari, and Baldia, causing widespread panic and hospital admissions.
Authorities condemned the dangerous practice, arrested over 20 suspects, and confiscated firearms and ammunition. Emergency services remain active, pleading with citizens to adopt safer ways to celebrate. Investigations are ongoing as officials vow strict action against the perpetrators.
Fatal Celebrations: Stories from the Ground
As Karachi residents marked the midnight arrival of Independence Day, celebrations were marred by heavy gunfire that quickly turned deadly. The young girl, Ayesha, was struck by a stray bullet while indoors in Azizabad, succumbing before reaching the hospital. Stephen, a senior citizen, was fatally shot in Korangi while simply going about his day. Victims of all ages, men, women, and children, were rushed to various hospitals including Civil, Jinnah, and Abbasi Shaheed Medical Complex, with several in critical condition.
Emergency responders described scenes of chaos as calls flooded in and doctors worked tirelessly to treat gunshot wounds. Police have launched wide-ranging raids across city areas such as Liaquatabad, Akhtar Colony, Mehmoodabad, Keamari, Jackson, Orangi Town, and others, arresting over 20 individuals and seizing modern weapons. The city’s law enforcement strongly condemned the aerial firing, urging residents to rethink traditional practices that put lives at risk.
A Recurring Crisis in Karachi
This year’s bloodshed forms part of a dangerous, persistent pattern in Karachi, where celebratory aerial firing during festivals regularly results in casualties. Earlier in 2025, at least 42 people died and over 230 were injured in similar gunfire incidents. These incidents are often linked not only to celebrations but also to attempts at robbery and personal disputes, underscoring the city’s complex gun violence context.
Despite the prohibition of aerial firing by law, enforcement has been inconsistent, and cultural acceptance of such dangerous methods of celebration remains high. Authorities continue to grapple with implementing stricter controls and community education campaigns, but the people of Karachi still face the grim consequences of this hazardous tradition each year.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragic deaths and injuries during Karachi’s Independence Day celebrations highlight the urgent need for a cultural shift grounded in empathy, responsibility, and respect for human life.
While law enforcement plays a critical role in curbing violence, true transformation requires community engagement and awareness to abandon perilous customs like aerial firing. Celebrations meant to unite and foster pride must never come at the cost of safety and harmony.
