10 lives lost to aerial firing

200 people were injured by stray bullets during the year 2023

KARACHI:

The metropolis police failed to check the inci- dents of aerial firing as at least 10 people were killed, including seven children, and more than 200 in- jured by stay bullets dur- ing the year 2023, as per police source. Among the injured were 41 children and 16 women.

The police sources added that the majority of these incidents occurred in the month of August, with two fatalities and 45 inju- ries reported.

According to the breakdown, a seven-year-old girl named Tayyaba was killed by a stray bullet in the Sukhan area on January 31. Six-year-old Abdul Ghani, riding in a high-roof pick-up, fell victim to aerial firing in Qayyumabad on February 12. Eight-year-old Abdullah lost his life to aerial firing in Iqbal Market, Orangi Town. On August 14, 40-year-old Wahab became a victim of aerial firing in Baghdadi.

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August 27 witnessed the death of a 13-year-old boy during aerial firing at a wedding function in Bukhari Colony, Orangi Town. On September 11, Jawad lost his life in an aerial firing incident at a wedding ceremony in Keamari. October 14 marked the tragic death of seven-year-old Ayan in an aerial firing incident in Orangi Town. Thirteen-year-old Areeb fell victim to aerial firing at a wed- ding ceremony in Korangi on November 18.

December 17 saw the demise of 13-year-old Raza in Shah Latif Town after being hit by a stray bullet.

On December 24, Saad Hassan lost his life in an incident of aerial firing at a wedding ceremony in Nusrat Bhutto Colony.

The spate of such incidents underscores the need for measures to curb irresponsible and dangerous practices such as aerial firing, ensuring the safety of the community, especially during celebratory events.

Law enforcement agencies are urged to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for these tragic occurrences.