Karachi has witnessed a concerning rise in street crime during the first seven months of 2023, with more than 80 citizens losing their lives while resisting robbery attempts, according to a report by the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), as reported by ARY News.
The CPLC report has revealed that a total of more than 52,000 street crime incidents were reported in Karachi from January 1 to July 31. Among the distressing statistics, over 80 individuals tragically lost their lives while bravely standing up against robbers.
The report further outlined that over 16,000 citizens fell victim to mobile phone theft during this period. Additionally, the city witnessed the theft or snatching of 33,798 motorcycles and 2,296 cars, indicating a significant challenge in addressing vehicle-related crimes.
This surge in street crime has posed a severe threat to the safety and security of Karachi’s residents. In one such tragic incident, a security guard was fatally shot by an armed robber while attempting to thwart a robbery at a petrol pump in the Sher Shah Gulbai area of Karachi.
CCTV footage of the incident depicted a lone robber arriving on a motorcycle at the petrol pump. The perpetrator attempted to snatch the guard’s weapon, and when met with resistance, resorted to opening fire. The brave security guard, identified as Qamar-ud-Din, tragically lost his life on the spot as a result of the confrontation.
These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement efforts and community-focused initiatives to curb street crime and ensure the safety of citizens in Karachi. The CPLC report sheds light on the critical challenges that must be addressed to create a safer environment for residents and reduce the loss of precious lives in the face of criminal activities.
