Wedding halls face crackdown over celebratory gunfire in Karachi

The Karachi police have issued stringent directives to wedding hall administrations to curb the growing menace of aerial firing during celebrations, local media sources reported on Friday.

In a move to enhance accountability, hall administrations will now be held legally responsible if firing incidents occur outside their premises during events. District-level police officers have been tasked with enforcing the new policy.

Station house officers (SHOs) have been directed to issue prior notices to wedding halls within their jurisdictions. Individuals involved in aerial firing at events will face immediate legal action, police officials confirmed.

The city police also announced a public awareness campaign featuring banners across Karachi to discourage celebratory gunfire, which has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities in recent months.

On New Year’s Eve, at least 29 people, including women and children, were injured in aerial firing incidents reported in various areas, including Liaquatabad, Tariq Road, Shah Faisal, and Orangi Town.

Authorities hope the stricter measures will help prevent such dangerous practices and ensure public safety at social gatherings.