8-year-old girl among three killed in Karachi celebratory firing

KARACHI, August 14, 2025: Independence Day celebrations in Karachi took a tragic turn as three people lost their lives in aerial firing incidents. The dead include an 8-year-old girl, a senior citizen, and a man identified as Stephen.

Rescue teams said the young girl was hit by a stray bullet in Azizabad. Stephen died in Korangi. The senior citizen’s name has not yet been made public.

Dozens Injured Across the City

At least 64 people were injured by stray bullets during the celebrations. The injured included six children, one girl, and 17 women. Cases were reported from Lyari, Orangi Town, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Sharifabad, Sohrab Goth, Korangi, and Malir.

All injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.

Police Crackdown on Aerial Firing

Police confirmed the arrest of 20 suspects for aerial firing. Officials condemned the practice, calling it dangerous and irresponsible. They appealed to citizens to celebrate national events in a safe manner.

Authorities pointed out that Karachi has a history of such incidents. In January alone, 42 people, including five women, died in shooting incidents, while 233 others were injured.

Celebrations Across Karachi

Despite the violence, Independence Day celebrations began at midnight. Crowds filled the streets, fireworks lit the night sky, and green-and-white flags decorated homes, vehicles, and public spaces.

Patriotic songs echoed through neighbourhoods. A special event at Five Star Chowrangi celebrated Pakistan’s recent victory in Marka-e-Haq. MQM leaders Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Anees Qaimkhani, and Farooq Sattar attended.

A music festival also took place at the same venue, with famous singers performing live. Large numbers of people gathered at the overhead bridge in North Nazimabad, waving flags and chanting slogans for Pakistan.