No letup in gunviolence in city

The metropolis continues to reel from rampant gun violence, with nine people, including three women and teenage boys, injured by stray bullets over the past three days, officials and residents said.

Police officials maintain that overall crime in the city has decreased, but daily incidents of indiscriminate firing have left residents unsafe on streets and inside their homes. Police say further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the attacks.

In the first incident, 22-year-old Ayan was critically injured in a shooting in Korangi 5 near Ghaus Pak Road and was rushed to JPMC by Chhipa volunteers. He was reportedly shot in the chest. In Baldia 24, 45-year-old Sherina, was injured in gunfire. In the third incident, 52-year-old Jamila Begum sustained gunshot wounds at Al-Azam Square in Liaquatabad 10.

In yet another incident, 27-year-old Bilal Ahmed was wounded in North Karachi Sector 5A-2 near Qadri Mosque. In Chakiwara, 12-year-old Muzammil was injured near Ghulam Muhammad bus stop. Thirty-year-old Murtaza was shot in New Karachi's Gabol Town, while 28-year-old Nauman was wounded near Usman Park in Chakiwara. In Paposh Nagar, 74-year-old Naseer sustained injuries near Chandni Chowk. And 39-year-old Najma was injured in Orangi Town Sector 13 near Khizr Mosque.

The incidents occurred between April 4 and April 6, with police reporting that all victims were hit by bullets coming from unknown directions.

Karachiites expressed fear and frustration, saying they feel vulnerable not only to street criminals but also to stray gunfire. Meanwhile, critics say the police have failed to curb the unchecked use of firearms in the city, leaving ordinary people to bear the consequences.