- Eight-year-old girl hit by a stray bullet in Azizabad.
- Authorities condemn reckless practice, vow strict action.
- Investigations launched to hold those responsible accountable.
KARACHI: Three people, including a senior citizen and an eight-year-old girl, were killed in incidents of celebratory aerial firing during Independence Day festivities in Karachi, rescue officials said on Thursday.
At least 64 others suffered gunshot wounds in the citywide incidents.
The girl was struck by a stray bullet in Azizabad, while in a separate incident, a man identified as Stephen was killed in Korangi.
Rescue officials said dozens of people suffered injuries across Karachi due to celebratory gunfire.
Police said incidents of aerial firing were reported from Liaquatabad, Korangi, Lyari, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Keamari, Jackson, Baldia, Orangi Town and Paposh Nagar.
Similar incidents also took place in Sharifabad, North Nazimabad, Surjani Town, Zaman Town and Landhi.
The injured were taken to Civil, Jinnah, Abbasi Shaheed hospitals and private medical facilities in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and other parts of the city.
More than 20 suspects have been arrested from different areas, including Mominabad, Liaquatabad, Paposh Nagar, Samanabad, Orangi Town and Keamari, according to police.
The law-enforcers also recovered modern firearms and ammunition from those taken into custody, adding that cases have been registered against the detained suspects.
Calling the practice reckless and dangerous, authorities have strongly urged citizens to mark Independence Day in safer ways.
Police say they have begun their investigation and will take strict action against anyone found involved in aerial firing.
Every year, the festive occasion is overshadowed by tragic mishaps involving loss of lives and injuries due to aerial firing, a practice authorities repeatedly warn against.
Last year, at least 95 people sustained injuries in similar celebratory fires in the metropolis, while another 80 were hurt a year earlier.
This year, the nation is marking its 78th Independence Day with a renewed pledge to uphold the spirit of the Pakistan Movement and work towards making the country a true Islamic welfare state.
