Two people were killed and 94 injured in Karachi on the night of 13 August 2026 after celebratory aerial firing erupted across multiple areas on the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day, officials confirmed on Friday.

The casualties were reported in incidents spanning Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Korangi, and Malir, with police and rescue services working through the night to transport the wounded to nearby hospitals. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) received 42 patients, while Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) treated 38 injured, according to Dr Summaiya Syed, the police surgeon. Dow University Hospital (DUH) admitted 14 people, she added.

Among the dead were Muhammad Ali, 28, of Liaquatabad, and Sanaullah, 35, of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, both succumbing to gunshot wounds to the head. At least 17 of the injured remain in critical condition, hospital sources said.

What happened and where

Police reported at least 23 separate incidents of aerial firing between 10:30 pm on 13 August and 3:00 am on 14 August, concentrated in densely populated residential and commercial zones. Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Liaquatabad saw the highest number of cases, with reports of bullets piercing rooftops, shattering windows, and striking pedestrians.

  • Gulshan-e-Iqbal: Multiple rounds fired near Nazimabad Chowrangi and Gulshan-e-Maymar, with one fatality and 12 injured.
  • Liaquatabad: Heavy firing near Liaquatabad No. 10 and Shah Faisal Colony, resulting in one death and 15 injuries.
  • Korangi: Firing reported near Korangi No. 2 and Landhi, with 10 injured.
  • Malir: Incidents near Malir Halt and Gulzar-e-Hijri, with 8 people hurt.

Residents described scenes of panic as families took shelter in bathrooms and basements. Mohammad Zubair, a shopkeeper in Liaquatabad, said he saw a bullet embed itself in his shop’s ceiling. “We heard the crack of guns and then screams,” he told Naya Pakistan. “People ran in all directions. Some jumped into nearby drains to escape.”

Police response and arrests

The Karachi Police launched Operation Safe City in coordination with the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) to curb the violence. Additional IG (Operations) Javed Mahesar confirmed 12 arrests related to illegal weapons and firing, including three from Gulshan-e-Iqbal and four from Liaquatabad.

  • 15 illegal firearms were recovered, including three AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and ten locally made weapons.
  • Four police officers sustained minor injuries while dispersing crowds and seizing weapons.
  • Mobile phone services in affected areas were briefly suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation and coordinate security operations.

Mahesar warned that celebratory firing is a cognizable offence under Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 10,000. He urged citizens to report illegal weapons or suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers (1122) or local police stations.

What the law says about celebratory firing

Under Section 144 CrPC, aerial firing is banned nationwide due to the risk of injury and property damage. The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Sections 332–338 also criminalize endangering life through reckless discharge of firearms.

  • Fines: Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for first-time offenders; repeat offenders face Rs 20,000 fines and up to six months in jail.
  • Confiscation: Authorities can seize weapons used in firing incidents.
  • Community policing: Neighbourhood watch groups are encouraged to report illegal arms to @KPoliceOfficial on X (Twitter) or @RangersSindh.

Despite repeated crackdowns, aerial firing remains a persistent problem during festivals, weddings, and national events, particularly in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.

What you should do

If you witnessed or were affected by aerial firing:

  • Seek immediate medical help if injured — call 115 (Emergency) or go to the nearest hospital.
  • Report illegal weapons to your local police station or Crime Stoppers (1122). Provide details like location, time, and description of suspects.
  • Avoid gathering in open areas during celebrations. Stay indoors if possible.
  • Do not handle or store firearms at home. Unlicensed weapons can lead to prosecution.
  • Check your property for bullet holes or damage. Document evidence (photos/videos) for insurance claims or police reports.

For legal assistance, contact the Legal Aid Society Pakistan (helpline: 021-111-456-456) or visit your nearest District Bar Association office.

What happens next

The Karachi administration has announced a citywide crackdown on illegal weapons in the coming weeks, with random checks at entry points and residential areas. The Sindh Home Department will hold a high-level meeting on 16 August 2026 to review security measures for Independence Day.

  • Police will increase patrols in high-risk zones like Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Liaquatabad.
  • Public awareness campaigns will be launched in Urdu and Sindhi to educate communities about the dangers of aerial firing.
  • Social media monitoring teams will track misinformation and hate speech related to the incidents.

Meanwhile, funeral prayers for the deceased were offered in their respective localities on Friday. Families of the injured have appealed for blood donations at JPMC, CHK, and DUH.

Bottom line: Celebratory firing is not just reckless — it’s a crime that kills and maims. If you see it happening, report it. If you’re caught with an illegal weapon, you’ll face the law. This Independence Day, let’s celebrate safely — without guns, without fear.