Lynching robbers

The deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi has led to caught criminals being lynched in the street

As inflation hits record-levels, street crimes and robberies have been on the rise in Karachi. Last year, some 11,000 incidents of armed robberies resulted in over 400 casualties. Criminals have become so remorseless that they do not hesitate to end the lives of those showing resistance. The deteriorating law and order situation in the sprawling city has created an environment of fear and frustration so much so that caught criminals are lynched in the street.

Just this Sunday, the police arrested seven suspects for killing two alleged robbers in the North Karachi region. The criminals were allegedly attempting to steal valuables from people at a petrol station before onlooker managed to foil their attempt, capture them and eventually beat them to death. Such incidents have become rather common — and three FIRs were registered on the same day in separate incidents — as citizens look to vent out their frustration in the absence of justice. The police need to get their act together and have a firm control over the security situation of the city. Corruption remains prevalent in the institutions and many even blame them for collusion by making weapons and firearms accessible. Sometimes, it is required to cut the rot from within, before washing out filth outside. This can only be done if heads are rolled and sincere, visionary and courageous leaders are brought to the helm. Some promising bureaucrats are coming to the fore and the police needs a firm hand that can uphold both moral and physical standards.

That being said, the only long-term measure to solve this persistent problem is to work on improving the socio-economic situation of the city. Poverty, unemployment and back-breaking inflation has forced people to opt for criminal means to sustain themselves.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2023.

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