Bike lifters target Karachi University

Two-wheelers of many students stolen from parking lots of different departments

KARACHI:

Incidents of robbery are on the rise within the premises of University of Karachi due to poor security arrangements, leading to heightened feelings of insecurity among students. The university has previously experienced episodes of terrorism, yet adequate security measures have not been taken by the administration.

Recent reports reveal that the largest university in Karachi has become an open ground for thieves, with students' motorcycles being stolen and incidents of mobile phone snatching occurring outside the campus. The thefts have significantly impacted academic activities and have caused mental distress among students.

Muhammad Faisal, a final year student from the Department of Mass Communication, recounted his experience to The Express Tribune, stating, "This morning, as I came to the department, I found my motorcycle had been stolen from the parking lot." Similar incidents have been reported, including thefts from the Admin Block parking lot and the Department of Sociology.

Another victim, Bilal who is a student of Physics, shared his plight, saying, "My bike was the only support as I reside in North Karachi. Now I have no alternative ride to and from the university." He reported that his motorcycle was stolen from the physics department, adding to the growing list of affected students.

Despite security administration acknowledging the thefts through CCTV footage, little action has been taken due to obstructed views of cameras caused by trees. FIRs have been filed, but the lack of comprehensive security measures, such as CCTV coverage, persists. Students affected by these incidents, launched a protest but were stopped by the security officials.

Concerns over inadequacy of university's security system have been raised, citing deficiencies in the CCTV camera network and a shortage of basic resources.

Notably, cameras are currently installed only at Silver Jubilee, Pharmacy, and Maskan Gates, leaving other areas vulnerable to theft and security breaches.

In response, Dr. Salman Zubair, the campus security in-charge, assured that efforts are underway to enhance security measures, including increased patrols and investigations into the thefts. He said that some clues about thefts have been revealed, and further investigation is ongoing.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2024.