KARACHI:
Across the country, crime rates have risen at an alarming rate. Street crimes and robbery have become the order of the day with people being robbed of their possessions in broad daylight in the presence of people. Karachi has become a hub of street crimes and robberies and citizens find themselves in a constant state of fear. Abduction, rape, and other crimes against women and children have also increased.
Within the first three months of the year, we have witnessed several cases of lynching, honour killings, and more. Despite victims reporting crimes to the police, the police have failed to act against the perpetrators. The absence of law and order has emboldened the perpetrators to continue committing all sorts of crimes. It is the poor law-abiding citizens that must bear the brunt of these crimes. Most cities are also faced with worsening traffic conditions as road accidents and traffic jams have become a routine. Even the traffic police have become accustomed to the lack of order on roads and do not regulate traffic on busy roads.
Some of the reasons for the increased disorderliness are high rates of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, inflation, ineffective law, and order. Most people have grown frustrated with the poor situation in the country and turned to criminal activities to fulfil their daily needs. Increased violence and intolerance are a consequence of the government’s failure to support the people and promote harmony. To reinstate law, order, and peace in society, the government must take measures to promote education throughout the country and tackle unemployment through welfare and training programmes. Also, law enforcement agencies must be reformed and provided with adequate resources to address the rising crimes effectively. Without large-scale reforms, our society will descend towards complete chaos and failure.
Maryam Tariq
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2022.
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