A recent report by Sindh’s Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has shed light on the alarming state of crime in Karachi during the month of June. The report reveals that a staggering total of 5,288 crimes were reported in the city, indicating a significant surge in criminal activities.
The most shocking statistic from the report is the number of stolen motorcycles. According to the CPLC, 2,792 motorcycles were recorded as stolen in June, with 564 of these being snatched from citizens at gunpoint. Despite efforts by law enforcement, only 196 of the stolen motorcycles were successfully recovered. This highlights the challenge that authorities face in tackling motorcycle theft in the city.
In addition to motorcycle theft, the report documents the theft of 24 vehicles, which were snatched at gunpoint, and another 135 vehicles that were stolen from various parts of the metropolis. Of these stolen vehicles, only 80 were recovered by the police, underscoring the difficulties in retrieving stolen property and the prevalence of vehicle theft in Karachi.
Mobile phone theft also featured prominently in the report, with 1,433 citizens falling victim to such crimes. However, the recovery rate for stolen mobile phones was abysmally low, with only 18 phones being recovered by the authorities. This low recovery rate further emphasizes the effectiveness of the criminal networks operating in the city and the need for improved measures to combat mobile phone theft.
The CPLC report also noted six cases of extortion registered in Karachi during June and reported that 40 people were killed due to violence in various areas of the city. These figures highlight the continued prevalence of violent crime in Karachi, despite efforts to curb it.
On a slightly positive note, the report revealed that there were no reports of “kidnapping for ransom” or “bank robbery/dacoity” in June. This indicates that while street crime and theft remain rampant, certain more severe forms of crime may be under control or less frequent.
Despite the alarming statistics, it is important to note that the city has seen the transfer of as many as 6,000 criminals to Karachi Central Jail in the first five months of the ongoing year. This large-scale incarceration suggests that law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat crime. However, the continued high levels of criminal activity indicate that more needs to be done to improve the law and order situation in Karachi.
The report has prompted significant concern among citizens and officials alike. In May, President Asif Ali Zardari, during a special meeting on the law and order situation in Sindh, directed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to launch a large-scale operation against street criminals in Karachi. This directive underscores the government’s recognition of the severity of the crime situation and its commitment to addressing it.
The escalating state of street crime in Karachi, which is also the country’s financial hub, poses a serious threat to the safety and security of its residents. The high incidence of theft, extortion, and violence not only affects the quality of life for citizens but also has broader implications for the city’s economy and social stability.
The CPLC report for June paints a grim picture of the crime situation in Karachi, with thousands of crimes reported and significant challenges in recovering stolen property and curbing criminal activities. The high rates of motorcycle and vehicle theft, mobile phone theft, and violence highlight the need for enhanced law enforcement measures and community vigilance. While there have been some successes, such as the lack of kidnapping for ransom and bank robberies, the overall state of crime remains a pressing concern for the city’s authorities and residents. The call for a large-scale operation against street criminals reflects the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore safety and security in Karachi.
