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Way to curb aerial firing? Police in Pakistan's Karachi seize licensed weapons ahead of new year's eve

Last year, celebratory aerial firing led to 44 injuries and one child fatality from falling bullets in the country's largest city and economic hub

Way to curb aerial firing? Police in Pakistan's Karachi seize licensed weapons ahead of new year's eve
Sindh police officers and vehicle stand guard outside Sindh Muslim Law College, Karachi on February 8, 2024.

AFP

Police using mosque loudspeakers to broadcast safety warnings across the city

Violators will face murder charges under Section 302 of Pakistan Penal Code

Police in Pakistan's Sindh province have launched a crackdown on New Year's celebratory gunfire in Karachi, the country's largest city and economic hub. To prevent injuries and deaths from falling bullets, police have confiscated over 1,000 licensed firearms from residents in the city's West District. This action aims to stop the dangerous tradition where some people fire guns into the air to celebrate the New Year.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) West Irfan Baloch reported that police have contacted licensed firearm holders in the area and temporarily seized their weapons. He emphasized that aerial firing incidents frequently involve licensed weapons, and complaints about this practice surge during New Year celebrations.

The District West police have seized 314 licensed weapons from 31 police stations in the district, including 299 pistols, 4 revolvers, 3 shotguns, and 8 rifles. In a parallel operation, the District South police have confiscated 877 licensed weapons from areas including Saddar and Clifton.

Strict penalties for violators

Police have issued a stern warning that individuals caught engaging in aerial firing will face charges under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which is typically applied in murder cases. To raise awareness and discourage these activities, authorities are utilizing police vehicles and mosque loudspeakers to broadcast awareness messages.

During last year's New Year celebrations, aerial firing resulted in 44 injuries and claimed the life of a 3-year-old girl named Sania in Karachi's Korangi locality. Such incidents occurred in multiple areas of the city, including Bahadurabad, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Five Star Chowrangi, Mehmoodabad, Qayumabad, New Golimar, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Last year, police arrested 65 individuals involved in aerial firing across the city, including:

  • 10 from Korangi
  • 21 from Nazimabad, New Karachi, Federal B Area, and Liaquatabad
  • 2 from the Old City Area
  • 6 from Keamari
  • 4 from Gulshan-e-Iqbal

Traffic plan for new years

The Karachi Traffic Police have implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth flow of vehicles for citizens traveling to Sea View during New Year celebrations.

According to the plan, Abdul Sattar Edhi Road to Sea View will remain accessible, though authorities may close it if traffic becomes severely congested.

Residents from Gulshan-e-Iqbal and New Karachi should follow M.A. Jinnah Road, Garden Road, Avari Tower Signal, Teen Talwar, and Khayaban-e-Shamsheer to reach Sea View, while visitors from Landhi, Korangi, and Saddar areas should take Sharea Faisal, proceed through Sindh Club Chowk, Teen Talwar, and Gizri Bridge, then use Khayaban-e-Shamsheer to access Sea View.

The route from PIDC to Ziauddin Ahmed Road will be completely closed to traffic, and heavy vehicles are prohibited from accessing Mauripur Road, Jinnah Bridge, and Mai Kolachi Road.

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