KARACHI: At least 29 people, including two women, were injured in the New Year firing in the city, police said on Wednesday.
The injured were taken to Civil Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical treatment.
Rescue officials say that stray bullets hit areas like Liaquatabad, Gulshan Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony and Orangi Town.
Law enforcement agencies took action and arrested 30 people involved in aerial firing. The Karachi police had earlier issued a warning saying that anyone caught firing in the air would face charges of attempted murder.
In Lahore, meanwhile, several people were also arrested for violating laws under the guise of New Year celebrations, police said. The crackdown was carried out after incidents of aerial firing and hooliganism in different areas of Lahore.
DIG Operations visited different areas of the city late at night to monitor the efforts of law enforcement agencies. In Shad Bagh, the police arrested 15 accused of aerial firing and misbehavior and recovered weapons from their possession.
Further arrests were made in Kent, Hanjarwal and Shahdara, where those involved in the hooliganism were detained. Similarly, the accused involved in aerial firing and sabotage activities were detained in Shafiqabad and Achhra.
Celebrations
With the arrival of the New Year, spectacular fireworks lit up the skies of Karachi, Islamabad, Rohri and other cities. While some marked the occasion with resolutions and promises, others celebrated with fervor.
Spectacular fireworks were displayed at Port Grand and Governor House in Karachi, where the 40-minute long display enthralled the spectators.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori claimed that the event set a world record for fireworks display.
Rawalpindi and Lahore also joined the celebrations, with concerts and spirited gatherings drawing crowds. Celebrations continued in F8 and private housing societies in Islamabad.
On the arrival of New Year in Quetta, fireworks, aerial firing and special prayers were offered in churches.
Azad Kashmir welcomed the New Year with fireworks at Zero Point Kiran on the Line of Control (LoC). The celebrations are attended by a large number of locals and tourists which adds a unique charm to the area.
Meanwhile, in cities like Hyderabad and Gujranwala, residents celebrated with gusto, praying for prosperity and peace in the coming year.