Karachi reports over 5,000 crimes in January

More than 100 people lose lives in target killings, 100 others were injured in firing incidents during the month.

KARACHI: Crime in Karachi has shown a rising trend, with over 5,000 crimes being reported during the month of January.

According to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), the crimes reported include 377 cases of snatching and stealing of vehicles, 1,470 cases of snatching and stealing of bikes, 2,137 cases of mobile phone snatching and stealing, 731 cases of attempt to murder, 1,237 cases of road robberies and 189 cases of drug peddling.

During the last month more than 100 people lost their lives in target killings while more than 100 others were injured in firing incidents. Four people were killed while several others injured while resisting a robbery.

A leader of a traders association of Karachi, on condition of anonymity, told PPI that local traders were receiving threats on a daily basis. He said the police have failed to arrest the extortionists and provide security to traders.

Sindh Home Minister, Dr Zulfiqar Mirza speaking at a gathering on Feb 2, claimed that the police have busted a gang of extortionists, which has more than 25 members.

Transporters have also complained of growing robberies in minibuses, including looting of loaded goods trucks.