Amidst growing public concern, the city sees a surge in gunfire-related injuries and fatalities.
In a decisive step to curb the rising incidents of aerial firing, Karachi police have issued stringent directives targeting wedding hall administrations. The new policy mandates that wedding halls be included in legal proceedings if firing occurs outside their premises during functions. District-level police officers have been directed to enforce this policy strictly.
Station house officers (SHOs) are instructed to provide prior notices to wedding hall administrations within their jurisdictions. Moreover, individuals engaging in aerial firing during events inside wedding halls will face legal action. To raise awareness, Karachi police officials plan to display banners across the city to educate the public on the dangers of aerial firing.
This move comes as Karachi continues to report a high number of injuries and deaths from aerial firing. During the recent New Year celebrations, at least 29 individuals, including women and children, were injured in various parts of the city.
The incidents occurred in areas such as Liaquatabad, Tariq Road, Shah Faisal, Orangi Town, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Azizabad, and Korangi. In Liaquatabad, three people were injured, while incidents in Tariq Road and Shah Faisal left two women hurt.
Other areas, including Orangi Town and Gulshan-e-Iqbal, reported injuries to two individuals, and a child was injured in Azizabad due to celebratory firing. Gulzar-e-Hijri and Korangi No. 6 saw three bullet injury cases.
Several other areas, including Lyari, Aram Bagh, Agra Taj, Malir Kala Board, and Tipu Sultan, also reported similar injuries on New Year’s night.