Containers were put on the road leading to Sea View, prevented many from getting to the shores of the Arabian Sea.—File Photo

KARACHI: Three people were killed and at least 60 wounded by stray bullets in the port city of Karachi Sunday as Pakistanis celebrated the new year by firing their guns into the air, police said.

Officers were on high alert to avert any violence in almost all major cities in Pakistan, where New Year celebrations were traditionally quiet.

In Karachi, the country’s biggest city, thousands of people took to the streets to see in 2012 but police prevented many from getting to the shores of the Arabian Sea citing security fears.

“Aerial firing on new year night killed three people. Fired bullets have also wounded more than 60,” said Hamid Parhair, a provincial police surgeon.

Parhair said 36 people were taken to two government hospitals while the rest were treated for minor injuries at private hospitals.