Street crimes during Eid

Multiple deaths, injuries reported across Karachi as police scramble to get a grip on crime rate

Eid-ul-Azha holidays in Karachi were once again marred by street crimes in different localities leaving many dead and several others injured. Clearly, Sindh police are struggling to maintain law and order in the metropolitan. Measures such as mobile applications have fallen short of ensuring the security of the citizens. In the days leading up to Eid, many residents reported having been robbed of their cash and other belongings near cattle markets and outside ATMs and banks.

The burgeoning socioeconomic challenges have left citizens distressed as many cannot afford to lose an entire month’s salary, mobile phones, vehicles, etc. Consequently, some have been compelled to take the law into their own hands by responding to robbery attempts with firing. This often creates a dangerous situation for passersby, particularly in crowded areas. Others have lost their lives resisting robbery attempts. At times, residents have launched mob attacks on robbers or anyone they suspect of criminal activities. The growing fear and suspicion have paralysed social life in the city and raised the risks of unwarranted aggression and violence against innocent citizens.

More often than not robbers have been identified through CCTV footage, yet the police seldom recover people’s valuables or catch the culprits. Government and police officials have also been victimised by robbers signaling that the criminals are now above the law. Residents have lost confidence in the police, believing them to be complicit in street crimes. The Sindh government and police need to rally efforts to address the rising security concerns in the provincial capital. They cannot leave citizens at the mercy of the ruthless robbers. Perhaps, the Sindh police should seek the support of the armed forces if it finds the task too challenging to handle on its own.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2023.

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