Karachi’s populace goes cashless as street crime rises

Residents reported an increase in mental anguish due to lack of crackdown on thieves

KARACHI:

Either due to a lack of manpower or the realisation that the state cannot enforce its writ, law enforcement agencies have failed to curb the unfettered rise of street crime in Karachi.

Consequently, residents are now going cashless. The fear and anxiety in the roughly 15 million people who call the booming metropolis home has grown significantly over the past few months due to the numerous daily incidents of street crime. Karachi’s populace is of the view that since the provincial government and police have left them to fend for themselves, they have no choice but to take precautionary measures.

“Many people, including myself, are now using online methods of payment just to avoid carrying cash. No one wants to go through the trauma of being robbed,” said Muhammad Salim, a long time resident of the city. Tanveer Ahmed, who runs an electric works shop, agreeing with Salim, said that business owners are also tilting towards online payments out of fear. “Keeping cash in the shop is just inviting trouble. We have also installed CCTV cameras but it is best to avoid having cash and expensive phones on oneself.” Amber Sheikh, who was running errands in the city, whilst giving her two cents on the rising street crime, said that there was a misconception that women were not targeted.

“I have stopped wearing jewellery, carrying a big handbag, or my mobile phone,” Sheikh informed, “if it is absolutely necessary, only then I carry cash.” Similarly, Nimra Arif, a housewife, who was out grocery shopping, was of the view that apart from changing the mode of payment, the rise in street crime was increasing mental stress. Arif informed that people in her neighbourhood were going out less frequently now just to avoid any mishap. However, some like Owais, a delivery rider, do not have the option of staying home. “From what I have heard, the thieves are smarter now. They dress well and will stop you under one pretence or another,” Owais explained, “then a backup motorcycle will creep up on you and in a matter of minutes you will have given up your possessions.”

Owais further said that there was little people like him could do because the robbers start shooting if someone resists. Hassan Saber, a criminal law expert, believes that there are a mixture of reasons which have led to the rise in street crime in Karachi. “Inflation and unemployment are the big ones. However, the thieves are also taking advantage of the lack of police patrols and CCTV cameras in the city.” Saber further opined that along with additional manpower in the police force, the loopholes in the investigation process need to be closed “so that the accused can be punished.”

Sindh Labour Minister, Saeed Ghani, when asked about the fear and anxiety Karachiites are living through, replied that the government had taken notice of the issue. “The Sindh government is taking action to safeguard the citizens of Karachi and is providing additional resources to the police. The Chief Minister of Sindh has directed the IG Sindh to take full action against criminals,” Ghani told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2022.