At least 25 people were injured in incidents of aerial firing reported from various parts of Karachi as New Year celebrations began early Thursday, police and rescue officials said.

A man was injured in Channesar Goth after being hit by a stray bullet fired from an unknown direction, according to police.

Rescue officials reported that several others were wounded in firing incidents in areas including Korangi, Golimar, Five Star Chowrangi and the New Sabzi Mandi.

Police said 41 people were arrested from different parts of the city on charges of aerial firing.

Incidents of celebratory firing were also reported from other cities.

In Quetta, aerial firing took place at the start of the New Year, while in Lahore, police arrested five people for aerial firing and displaying weapons.

In Hyderabad, four people were injured, and in Nawabshah, two others sustained injuries due to celebratory gunfire.

To curb the practice, Karachi police deployed drone cameras for the first time to identify those involved in aerial firing.

Police officials said drones were flown over the city to register cases against offenders. More than 16 police stations were provided with drone cameras for monitoring.