Despite police claims of meticulous planning and awareness campaigns, the city resonated with the sounds of firecrackers and intense aerial firing. Citizens defied the prohibition on aerial firing, with most occurrences observed from rooftops in multiple locations, including New Karachi, Surjani Town, North Karachi, and many others. Efforts to prevent incidents included deploying large police and ranger contingents, including women officers, at various locations.
Traffic police attempted to reroute vehicles, and in some places, hotels were closed with orders to reopen after midnight.
However, residents in several neighbourhoods continued firing into the air, with the police struggling to enforce directives. Numerous injuries were reported, including a 40-year-old named Noman near Firdous Shopping Center, Adnan in Liaquatabad No. 8, and a girl named Noma Asif near Shipowners Government College. Victims were treated at hospitals like Abbasi Hospital, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, and others. Injuries were widespread, involving individuals like Hasan, a seven-year-old boy in Bahadurabad, Alman near DA Chowrangi, and Ali Raza and Shahzad at Block-H Chase Up.
Nine injured due to celebratory firing in Hyderabad
Incidents also occurred near Golimar Chowrangi, Malir C area, New Karachi Sector 5G, Shah Faisal No. 2, Lines Area Dhobi Ghat, Baldia Town, Kemari’s Port Grand area, Seaview McDonald’s, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 13D. Nine patients were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, 11 to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, eight to Dr Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, and three to private hospitals, totalling 31.
In response to the directives issued by IG Sindh Riffat Mukhtar Raja, the Sindh Police conducted a series of targeted raids across various districts to address the issue of aerial firing during New Year celebrations. These operations have proven successful, resulting in the apprehension of 91 suspects and the registration of 85 cases. The raids carried out with efficiency and precision, have played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the region.
The seized items from the suspects include a significant arsenal comprising 57 pistols, seven rifles, four repeater shotguns, a double barrel shotgun, an SMG, and two MP5s.
Additionally, the authorities confiscated firecrackers, indicating a proactive approach to tackle not only the issue of aerial firing but also the potential risks associated with the misuse of explosives during festive occasions.