KARACHI – Authorities in Karachi have vowed strict action against individuals involved in aerial firing as the city prepares to welcome 2026, deploying over 7,200 police personnel to maintain public safety.
Karachi Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Javed Alam Odho stated that any incidents of aerial firing would be treated as attempted murder. “There will be no tolerance for violations of the law,” he said, adding that Safe City cameras will help identify those responsible.
Massive Police Deployment
In preparation for New Year celebrations, Sindh police have stationed more than 7,200 officers across Karachi. The deployment includes 4,412 constables, 2,117 female police personnel, 336 police mobiles, and 646 motorcycle patrol teams. The West Zone has 1,123 officers, the East Zone has 1,844, and the South Zone, the largest, has 4,237 personnel.
Authorities have increased police presence in hotels, parks, and places of worship. Traffic police have also been deployed at key junctions to ensure smooth movement and prevent congestion in areas like Clifton, Ibn-e-Qasim Park, and Seaview, Karachi’s top tourist destination.
Traffic and Safety Measures
Special traffic arrangements will be enforced from the night of December 31, 2025, into the early hours of January 1, 2026. All vehicles on Seaview Road will follow a one-way system from McDonald’s to the Clock Tower, with return traffic redirected via Khayaban-e-Ittihad Road or Do Darya. Heavy vehicles, including trucks and tankers, will only be allowed into the city after 2 a.m. Vehicles with broken or missing silencers, or those driven recklessly, will face legal action.
Drone Surveillance to Prevent Aerial Firing
For the first time, Karachi police will deploy drones to monitor aerial firing. Key areas under drone surveillance include Liaquatabad, Sharifabad, Azizabad, and Nazimabad. Videos captured by these drones will be used to file cases against those violating the law. Sixteen police stations have already been equipped with drone cameras.
Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon also urged citizens to celebrate responsibly. “Negligence and carelessness can lead to the loss of precious human lives,” he said, warning that all offenders will face strict and impartial action. Authorities requested the public to report suspicious activities by calling 15.
Karachi residents are encouraged to enjoy New Year 2026 celebrations in a calm and safe environment, as authorities aim to make the city a crime-free zone for the holiday.
