KARACHI — A wedding celebration in the city’s Surjani Town neighborhood turned fatal late Sunday night when celebratory gunfire claimed the lives of two young boys. Police have since taken the groom and one other suspect into custody, charging them with negligence and possession of illegal weapons.
The victims, identified as 10-year-old Abdul Rehman and 12-year-old Huzaifa, were attending the ceremony when the firing began. Witnesses reported that the groom and several guests began discharging firearms into the air as the procession reached the venue. A stray bullet struck both children, who succumbed to their injuries before they could reach a hospital.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) West confirmed the arrests Monday morning. Investigators recovered the weapons used in the incident and are currently processing forensic evidence to determine exactly whose firearm discharged the fatal rounds.
“We are holding the groom accountable for allowing this to happen on his watch,” said an officer involved in the investigation. “The law is clear regarding aerial firing, and we intend to set a precedent here.”
Aerial firing remains a persistent, lethal tradition in Karachi despite repeated bans and periodic crackdowns by the provincial government. While police frequently register First Information Reports (FIRs) following such incidents, convictions are rare. Families often reach private settlements, leading to the withdrawal of cases before they reach the court.
For the families of the two boys, however, the legal process offers little solace. Residents of the area gathered outside the police station demanding stricter enforcement against weapon displays at public gatherings.
The suspects remain in custody for further interrogation. Prosecutors are expected to push for maximum sentencing under the anti-terrorism and arms control acts, as the incident has reignited public outrage over the city’s unchecked gun culture.
