Karachi New Year aerial firing injures 25; police arrest 56 suspects

New Year celebrations in Karachi were marred by reports of aerial firing across multiple neighborhoods, leaving at least 25 people injured and triggering a police crackdown.

Rescue officials said several people were wounded as gunfire erupted around midnight during celebrations to welcome 2026. They reported that five people were injured in areas including Korangi, Golimar, Five Star, and New Sabzi Mandi.

Authorities said the injured included six women and two children. Police also noted a separate incident in Chanesar Goth, where a man was hit by a bullet fired from an unknown direction.

Police said they launched operations against those involved and arrested 56 suspects from different parts of the city on charges related to aerial firing. Officials reiterated that celebratory gunfire endangers lives and would face strict action.

A senior police officer said District Central teams detained 19 suspects linked to aerial firing. City district police took three people into custody, while Malir district police arrested five suspects, according to the district’s senior leadership.

Karachi police leadership said large deployments were made across the city for New Year’s Eve. Officials stated that cases involving aerial firing would be treated as attempted murder.

Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police Jawed Akhtar Odho said traffic police would also be positioned at key points to keep roads moving and support the broader goal of reducing crime.

Separately, Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon appealed to residents to avoid gunfire, dangerous stunts, and reckless behavior during celebrations.