Karachi reverberated with heavy gunfire on New Year’s Eve claiming at least one life and leaving 18 injured amid tight security arrangements.
According to hospital reports, a total of 18 people were rushed to hospitals after being struck by stray bullets.
An 11-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in Khwaja Ajmer Nagar, police said.
Six people were taken to the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center in Korangi, four to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, three to Civil Hospital, and two to Sindh Government Hospital.
Iqra, a 10-year-old girl was injured by a stray bullet near Kohistan Chowk in North Nazimabad, while Haris, 14, sustained bullet injury near the Ghaas Mandi area in the Napier neighbourhood.
Asmatullah suffered injuries in Jauharabad, Farooq sustained injuries in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Ali Akbar in Baldia Town, and Rehan in Malir.
Other incidents occurred in various locations throughout the city, including Azizabad, Ranchore Lane, Guru Mandir, Kala Pull, Saddar, Baldia, Liaquatabad, Korangi, Landhi, and Malir.
One of the bullets hit the car of Muhammad Rizwan, President of the Electronic Market Association. However, he remained unhurt.
New year revellers flocked to various locations throughout the city to ring in the new year.
Massive traffic was reported on highways heading to Sea View, especially Sharae Faisal.
The silence of the night in the city was filled with blaring car horns and racing motorcyclists.
Police and Rangers were seen busy snap checking and monitoring the roadways in an attempt to avert any big occurrence.
According to the police, cases have been registered on complaints of aerial firing, and arrests are likely around Karachi on New Year’s Eve for aerial firing.
