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Pakistan is celebrating its 79th Independence Day with national spirit and enthusiasm. However, celebrations in Karachi turned tragic as aerial firing was reported in several parts of the city. The firing began soon after midnight. Police had issued strict warnings against the use of firearms during Independence Day celebrations. Despite the warnings, gunshots were heard from different areas of Karachi. Rescue authorities said that a woman was killed after being struck by a bullet fired from an unidentified direction. At least 70 other people were injured in the incidents. The injured included women and children. Rescue officials said the victims suffered injuries after stray bullets hit them during the aerial firing. Some people were also injured amid the rush and celebrations that followed midnight. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. They were taken to Jinnah Hospital, Civil Hospital and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Medical teams received the injured and provided them with emergency treatment. The condition of the victims was not immediately clear. Aerial firing is repeatedly reported during major celebrations in Karachi despite warnings from law enforcement authorities. Police have often urged citizens to avoid firing weapons into the air because bullets can travel long distances before falling and can seriously injure or kill people. The latest incident has once again raised concerns about the enforcement of restrictions on aerial firing during public celebrations. Authorities have urged citizens to celebrate Independence Day responsibly and avoid any activity that could put other people’s lives at risk. The incident also highlights the dangers faced by families and children who take part in Independence Day celebrations in different parts of the city.

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly criticised the government over rising fuel prices, heavy taxation and electricity costs. Addressing participants at the party’s sit-in in Lahore, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the government was putting an increasing financial burden on ordinary citizens. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices. He said the petroleum levy had no direct connection with the actual price of petrol. He questioned the justification for repeatedly increasing fuel prices and said the government was making life more difficult for the public. “The government drops a petrol bomb on us every day,” he said. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticised the government’s policies regarding independent power producers (IPPs). He alleged that successive governments had entered into unfair agreements with IPPs in the name of ending load-shedding. According to him, the government was now passing the cost of its own shortcomings on to the people through higher taxes. He said citizens were already struggling with expensive electricity and gas bills. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader said heavy taxes were being imposed on electricity and gas bills. He argued that such charges were increasing household expenses and adding to the difficulties faced by ordinary consumers. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman further said the government had shut down five of the 27 IPPs. He referred to the government’s own claim that the move would provide a benefit of Rs3,360 billion to the national exchequer. He questioned why similar measures could not be taken to provide lasting relief to consumers. He said the government should focus on reducing electricity costs instead of continuously increasing taxes and other charges. The Jamaat-e-Islami emir also criticised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He alleged that corruption within the tax collection system remained widespread. He called for greater transparency and accountability in government institutions. He said economic policies should be designed to provide relief to the public rather than increase their financial difficulties.