Nine injured in Karachi stray bullet incidents over three days

KARACHI: Nine people, including three women and two teenage boys, were injured in separate stray bullet incidents in Karachi over the past three days, according to officials and residents.

The incidents took place between April 4 and April 6, with police saying all of the victims were struck by bullets fired from unknown directions. While police officials say overall crime in the city has declined, repeated episodes of indiscriminate firing have continued to leave residents feeling unsafe both on the streets and inside their homes.

Police said investigations were under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the shootings.

Victims reported from multiple neighbourhoods

In one of the incidents, 22-year-old Ayan was critically wounded near Ghaus Pak Road in Korangi 5. He was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre by Chhipa volunteers after reportedly suffering a gunshot wound to the chest.

In Baldia 24, 45-year-old Sherina was injured in firing, while 52-year-old Jamila Begum sustained bullet wounds at Al-Azam Square in Liaquatabad 10.

Another victim, 27-year-old Bilal Ahmed, was hurt in North Karachi Sector 5A-2 near Qadri Mosque. In Chakiwara, 12-year-old Muzammil was injured near the Ghulam Muhammad bus stop.

Thirty-year-old Murtaza was shot in Gabol Town in New Karachi, while 28-year-old Nauman was wounded near Usman Park in Chakiwara. In Paposh Nagar, 74-year-old Naseer was injured near Chandni Chowk. Another woman, 39-year-old Najma, was wounded in Orangi Town Sector 13 near Khizr Mosque.

Residents voice fear over unchecked firing

Residents said the continuing incidents had deepened fear and frustration across the city, with many saying they felt exposed not only to street crime but also to stray gunfire.

Critics said police had failed to stop the unchecked use of firearms in Karachi, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences. Police, however, said they were continuing their inquiries into the incidents.

The latest cases add to concerns over gun violence in the metropolis, where even people inside homes and in public spaces have been hit by bullets whose source remains unknown.