Karachi continues to grapple with unabated street crime and robberies: Report
- In Reports
- 11:40 AM, May 06, 2024
- Myind Staff
Dawn reported that Karachi, known for its turbulent crime history, continues to grapple with rampant street crime, robberies, drug-related offenses and confrontations with law enforcement.
Street criminals operate without fear of consequences, targeting citizens in broad daylight outside banks, amidst traffic, and in bustling markets. They resort to violence when confronted, highlighting the severity of the situation.
President Asif Ali Zardari recently issued a directive to the Sindh Prime Minister, emphasising the seriousness of the situation. He urged comprehensive action against street criminals in Karachi, as well as drug traffickers and bandits in the riverine areas of upper Sindh and southern Punjab, and called for inter-provincial cooperation.
Although some crime control measures have been implemented, including the revival of the Shaheen Force, an improved Madadgar-15 helpline, electronic tagging of repeat offenders and the implementation of the Sindh Smart Surveillance System, the response has been reactive rather than proactive.
The Dawn report cited statistics revealing the magnitude of the issue: out of 103 reported kidnappings, 47 cases went unreported, while 104 individuals were rescued, leaving 19 still unaccounted for. The frequency of daily street crime incidents decreased from 252.32 in January to 166.2 in April.
Among the 48 reported incidents involving 49 victims, authorities identified 27 cases, resulting in 43 arrests and 13 police confrontations, though with contentious outcomes, as detailed by Dawn.
The report highlights the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the prevailing challenges, citing the tardy intervention of the president and the provincial government's reliance on surface-level measures.
It emphasises the importance of proactive policing, necessitating a thorough evaluation of underlying causes, trends, and vulnerable regions. Long-term solutions, it suggests, demand multifaceted strategies encompassing training, surveillance, problem-solving, and collaboration among law enforcement bodies.
Addressing the pervasive influence of the drug trade, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, and Sujawal, is deemed crucial, requiring resolute action and political determination. Similarly, the report underscores the significance of addressing banditry in the Katcha belt, indicative of governmental neglect of marginalised areas and failure to curb feudal exploitation. Investments in education, infrastructure, employment, and healthcare are identified as essential to counter poverty-driven crime effectively.
A fragmented approach is deemed insufficient. The attainment of security and development across urban, rural, and marginalized regions hinges upon political resolve and interprovincial coordination. The report advocates for prioritizing rehabilitative measures over punitive actions to address crime sustainably, according to Dawn.
Image source: ANI
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