'Accidental' crime

If you live in a violent city like Karachi, you don't shed the violence at your doorstep when you enter the safety of your own house. The asinine actions of a nation so allergic to common sense will follow you home; much like the case of an unsuspecting 19-year-old medical student - the daughter of an MNA from MQM-P - who tragically lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet while standing on her terrace. Such stray bullets, often the result of celebratory aerial firing, have left at least 40 people – including women, children and elderly citizens – injured only in the month of April.

In the face of what can only be described as malicious stupidity, all citizens are equal. Equally at risk.

Having collectively gone through periods of intense gun violence, it seems as if the people of Karachi are entirely desensitised to the power of a bullet. Owning and brandishing firearms is instead a point of prestige for many, who like to display that prestige as a celebratory tradition during joyous occasions. But more often than not, a moment of joy for one becomes a death sentence for another.

Aerial firing is described as firing 'without the intent of injuring a person'. But decades of reported deaths and disabilities really call the part about 'intent' into question. The dangers of aerial firing are no secret; therefore, it should not be treated as an accidental crime. The only impactful solution to this problem can arrive directly from police authorities. Any scene involving meaningless firing should immediately become grounds for arrest, regardless of how naïve or powerful the offenders are. Wedding hall hotspots should be monitored, particularly during the wedding season, without any consideration of 'ruining' a celebration. Moreover, the public should be encouraged to report aerial firing to the police, who ultimately hold the power to end this nonsense.