Karachi: Tragedy marred Independence Day celebrations in Karachi as at least three people, including an eight-year-old girl, were killed and over 80 others injured due to celebratory gunfire across the city on Wednesday night.

Despite prior warnings from law enforcement agencies, widespread aerial firing broke out at midnight as people marked the occasion with gunshots and fireworks.

According to police and rescue officials, the first fatal incident occurred in Azizabad Block-8, where an eight-year-old girl was struck by a stray bullet and died before she could be taken to the hospital.

Another victim, identified as Stiffen, lost his life in the Korangi area when a stray bullet hit him while he was walking outside.

Numerous injuries, some critical, were reported from different parts of the city. Victims were rushed to both government and private hospitals for treatment.

In response, police launched operations across various neighborhoods, detaining 20 individuals and seizing illegal weapons and ammunition. Authorities have pledged to continue crackdowns to curb such reckless and unlawful behavior.

Law enforcement officials urged the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid actions that endanger lives.