A significant increase in the killing of citizens by armed street criminals has been observed during the first five months of this year in Karachi. According to data compiled by the Sindh police, 44 individuals were murdered by robbers from January to May, compared to 26 during the same period last year, indicating a doubling of murders by robbers.
Street crimes, including mobile phone snatching, robberies, motorcycle/car snatching, and theft, have been listed by the police as contributing to the rise in crime. The year began with the tragic killing of a 25-year-old, and since then, on average, a citizen is being murdered every third day.
The data further reveals a concerning situation of lawlessness in Karachi, with 116 shop robberies, 1,713 other robberies, 518 car thefts (46 snatched at gunpoint and 472 stolen), 4,441 motorcycle thefts, and 1,191 motorcycles snatched at gunpoint during the first five months. Additionally, 11,936 mobile phones were snatched or stolen.
The data also indicates that 38 suspected robbers were killed in alleged police encounters, while 477 suspects were arrested in injured condition during such encounters.
A senior police officer attributed the rise in crime to factors such as ineffective watch and ward, lack of focus by field staff, flaws in the criminal justice system, political interference, and increased drug use among youth. The use of excessive force by police in staged encounters was also highlighted as a contributing factor.
To address the issue, police officers emphasized the need for better patrols, effective crime prevention measures, entry and exit control, and intelligence-based operations. They also expressed concern about the growing incidents of mob justice and emphasized the importance of the police being responsive to prevent such situations. Citizens were reminded that self-defense should be used as an exception rather than a rule to avoid negative consequences for society as a whole.
