13 injured in ‘celebratory gunfire’ on eve of Independence Day

Citizens say the incidents stand as evidence that large quantity of arms is present in the city

KARACHI: Thirteen people were injured on Tuesday night from aerial firing reported in different areas of the metropolis.

The police, despite their tall claims regarding door-to-door search operations and of taking suspects in custody, failed to arrest even one person responsible for the 'celebratory firing'.

While Sindh IGP Dr Kaleem Imam sought an inquiry report from the zonal DIGs and issued directives for necessary action, injured persons were being brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital throughout Tuesday night.

According to a spokesperson of Karachi police, all the injured were those who were hit by stray bullets. The spokesperson added that the police was conducting further inquiries.

Citizens were of the opinion that while the police does share pictures of suspected persons and videos of areas where search operations are being conducted, the blatant use of aerial fire on the eve of Independence Day implied that arms are present in the city in large quantities.

Such firings are commonly reported on occasions such as eve of Independence Day, New Year's eve, etc. They complained that despite police's tall claims, such incidents have become a common occurrence.

The people injured by stray bullets on Tuesday night included Wani, 20, in Federal B Area 8, Tehseen Bibi, 27, in New Karachi Sector 11, Hashim Mirza, 60, in Sakhi Hassan, Taimuria, Abdul Hafeez, 16, in North Nazimabad, Kulsoom, 20, in Chakiwara, Gulistan Colony, Saqib, 20, in Kalakot area, Tariq, 25, in Jamshed Quarters, Gurumandar, Moeez Ahmed, 13, near the parking plaza on Preedy Street in Brigade area. Besides,  Manzoor, 12, was injured in Jutt Line, Waqar Ayub, 30, near Ibrahim Hyderi-Korangi crossing, Safia, 4, in Rehmat Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Abid, 42, near Moti Mahal, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Bilal, 25, in Landhi No1.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2019.