KARACHI:
Dacoits have spread fear and panic among the citizens of Karachi by robbing them of their valuables indiscriminately. In 2022, nearly 65,000 incidents of street crimes were reported and more than 100 people lost their lives. The criminals no longer fear any consequences and are committing crimes in broad daylight in public places.
At times people have traced the social media accounts of the culprits through CCTV footage, but the police have failed to trace the criminals despite having ample evidence. Many people have lost faith in the police and suspect that the police itself is complicit. Resultantly, most victims do not register FIRs or follow up with the police. The police say that victims’ lack of cooperation hampers the investigation process and prevents them from making any progress.
A majority of the citizens are already being crushed by inflation and cannot afford to continue re-purchasing expensive mobile phones, etc. People are robbed of their entire salaries leaving them with nothing to get by. Many people fear that rising inflation will result in a surge in crimes. The federal and provincial government’s disregard for the lives and safety of Karachiites is appalling. I urge the provincial government and law enforcement agencies to urgently act against the worsening law and order situation in the city and restore safety in Karachi.
Zainab Waqar
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2023.
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