Four Held Over Independence Day Aerial Firing in Islamabad
Islamabad Police say four suspects were arrested after alleged late-night aerial firing at Taqwa Market on Independence Day, with four FIRs registered over illegal weapons as raids continue for other alleged participants.
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have arrested four men in connection with alleged aerial firing at Taqwa Market in Sector G-9/4 during late-night Independence Day celebrations, after footage of the incident circulated on social media.
Videos Prompt Police Action
According to a press release issued by Islamabad Police, a group of young men allegedly resorted to indiscriminate aerial firing in the market area late on August 14, causing fear among residents and raising concerns over public safety.
Police said videos purportedly showing the firing subsequently circulated across social-media groups, prompting authorities to take notice and launch an operation to identify and apprehend those allegedly involved.
Four Suspects Arrested
The four arrested suspects were identified by police as Shahzaib son of Jahanzeb, Zohaib-ul-Hassan son of Hamid Qureshi, Muhammad Bilal and Shoaib Iftikhar.
According to the police statement, FIR Nos. 748, 749, 750 and 751 have been registered in connection with alleged illegal weapons offences and aerial firing.
Further investigation is underway.
Raids Underway for More Suspects
Police said raids were also being conducted at different locations to apprehend additional individuals allegedly involved in the incident, with special teams assigned to the operation.
The development comes amid Islamabad Police’s broader campaign against illegal weapons and their public use.
Police have previously directed officers to take strict legal action against aerial firing and have maintained that illegal weapons and their public display will not be tolerated.
‘Say No to Weapon in Islamabad’ Campaign
In its latest statement, the capital police said its “Say No to Weapon in Islamabad” campaign would continue and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against aerial firing, illegal weapons and activities that create fear among residents.
Islamabad residents have also been urged by police to voluntarily deposit illegal weapons at police stations.
Those possessing licensed weapons have been asked to register them at Karachi Company Police Station, according to the statement.
Allegations Subject to Investigation
The arrests and allegations described in this report are based on the Islamabad Police press release.
The individuals named are accused/suspects at this stage, and criminal allegations remain subject to investigation and determination by the competent courts.
For context, an earlier official Islamabad Police release also stated that officers had been directed to take strict legal action against aerial firing and that illegal weapons and their public display would not be tolerated.
