Islamabad, April 9 – Karachi, Pakistan, continues to grapple with incidents of gun violence, with nine people, including three women and teenage boys, injured in stray bullet incidents over a period of three days, according to local media reports citing officials and residents. Residents of Karachi have expressed fear and frustration, emphasizing their vulnerability to street criminals and gun violence.
Daily incidents of indiscriminate firing have left people unsafe on roads and inside their homes in Karachi, despite the police's claim that crime has decreased in the city, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily, "The Express Tribune." The police have stated that they are investigating the circumstances of the attacks.
In the first incident, 22-year-old Ayan was critically injured in a shooting incident near Ghaus Pak Road in Karachi. In the second incident, 45-year-old Sherina was injured in a shooting incident in Baldia. In the third incident, 52-year-old Jamila Begum was injured after gunfire at Al-Azam Square in Liaquatabad 10.
In a separate incident, 27-year-old Bilal Ahmed was injured in a shooting incident in North Karachi and 12-year-old Muzammil was injured in Chakiwara.
In yet another incident, 30-year-old Murtaza was shot in Gabol Town of Karachi while 28-year-old Nauman suffered injuries in Chakiwara. 74-year-old Naseer was injured in gunfire incident in Karachi's Paposh Nagar. 39-year-old Najma was injured in Orangi Town of Karachi.
The shooting incidents in Karachi occurred between April 4-6. According to police, all victims were hit by bullets coming from unknown directions, as reported by "The Express Tribune."
Critics have said that the police have failed to stop the use of firearms in Karachi, resulting in common people facing the consequences.
In November last year, Karachi, Pakistan, reported over 4,700 street crimes, according to data released by the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).
According to the report, 160 incidents involved vehicle thefts and snatching, while there were 3143 cases of motorcycle thefts in November. Armed robbers also snatched mobile phones from 1403 people at gunpoint, as reported by ARY News.
Furthermore, one case of kidnapping for ransom and 15 cases of extortion were reported in Karachi. The city also reported 39 incidents of murder and other violent crimes in November.