Despite police claims of strict action, Karachi echoed with gunfire on Independence Day’s eve as the city witnessed rampant aerial firing.

At least three people, including an eight-year-old girl and an elderly man, lost their lives due to stray bullets, while at least 64 others were injured.

According to rescue officials, the deceased include an 8-year-old girl named Marha who was struck by a stray bullet in Azizabad.

In Lyari’s Agra Taj area on Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Road, an elderly man identified as Jumma Khan was killed by a similar incident.

Another fatality was reported from the Korangi 3½ area, where a man named Stephen was hit and killed by a bullet fired from an unknown direction.

Among the injured are six children, one girl, and seventeen women. The injured have been shifted to hospitals for treatment.

The incidents of aerial firing were reported from several areas, including Lyari, Orangi Town, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Sharifabad, Sohrab Goth, Korangi, and Malir.

Police officials confirmed that 20 suspects involved in aerial firing have been arrested so far.