KARACHI:
Across the country, we are witnessing a surge in lawlessness and disorderliness with daily reports of traffic accidents, street crimes, robberies and scuffles amongst people over petty issues that become violent or deadly. Other forms of illegal activities such as human trafficking and the online grooming of children are also on the rise. Within the past month, several cases of sexual assault against women have been reported.
The deteriorating law and order situation across the country has become a cause of concern for all the citizens. There is a constant sense of fear and anxiety amongst the people, which interferes with their day-to-day activities. The use of firearms in street crimes and robberies has taken the lives of many innocent citizens. In Karachi alone, more than 50,000 incidents of street crimes have been reported in which many people have sustained injuries. People have been robbed of their motorbikes and other valuables further adding to their predicaments. Women cannot travel alone and require the constant companionship of a male relative, yet they are not safe. In addition, people constantly violate traffic rules and often speed cars on busy roads and residential areas, which has resulted in fatalities and damaged infrastructure.
The constant threat to people’s livelihoods is worrisome because people cannot become homebound. The law enforcement agencies’ inability to capture the perpetrators of different crimes and punish them has worsened the situation. The federal government must work with provincial governments to address the fast-deteriorating situation and form separate plans for each province to restore law and order. Also, law enforcement agencies should work collaboratively to trace criminals, convict them, and ensure that they complete their sentences.
Iqra Karamat
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2022.
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