Burgeoning lawlessness

The staggering increase in mugging and robbery incidents, often accompanied by brutal murders of victims who resist, has instilled fear among the residents of Karachi. To add to people’s torment, the notorious Chalawa gang has regrouped and is once again active in Korangi’s Mehran Town victimising residents and commuters. As many as 20 people were mugged at a dhaba (a roadside food point) on Sunday. The surveillance footage offered a bleak glimpse into the gang’s activities in the area.

Unfortunately, Karachi is teeming with criminal gangs that are active in different localities of the city carrying out heinous crimes. The police seem rather helpless in the face of burgeoning lawlessness. Last year, a group of 10 robbers set up roadblocks to trap vehicles and robbed over 100 people with relative ease on the Korangi Causeway. CCTV footage of muggings at different food spots across the city signals the brazen attitude of the robbers who are either never caught or released on bail. The provincial government and law enforcement agencies are fast losing grip on the law and order of Karachi. Initiatives such as the Talash app and Safe City Project that were aimed to monitor criminal activities and catch the culprits promptly have fallen short of their expectations. The widening mistrust between the public and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) is further empowering criminal gangs.

Read Gang of muggers terrorises Mehran Town

Many citizens have resorted to carrying firearms while others have launched mob attacks on suspects. Police officials’ irresponsible statements blaming “immigrants” and “non-residents” without providing concrete proof have further aggravated hostility and paranoia resulting in attacks on innocent motorcyclists. The police force must introspect within and reconsider its strategy for tackling street crimes. Perhaps, policymakers and LEAs should seek guidance from other provincial and district governments within the country that have managed to maintain a sense of security and stability in their cities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2023.

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