MQM-P lawmaker submits resolution seeking compensation for street crime victims

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Taha Ahmed Khan submitted on Friday a resolution in the Sindh Assembly seeking compensation for victims of street crimes.

The resolution, expressing concern over the rising incidents of street crimes in Karachi, stated more than 50 people have lost their lives since the start of the year.

"The House understands that most of those killed at the hands of street criminals were youth, belonging to the underprivileged section of society, which is already under economic stress due to the financial situation of the country."

Read Street crime remains port city's Achilles' heel

The resolution acknowledged that most of those who lost their lives were the sole breadwinners of their families and proposed that compensation be given to the next of kiln of the victims.

"Since the Provincial Government of Sindh has failed to protect the lives of its citizens, therefore the House hereby resolves & recommends a compensation of Rs05 million to the family of the deceased, a government job to one heir of the family as per their qualifications, and educational expenses for the children, if applicable."

It further expressed concern that Karachi is deprived of a Safe City Project, noting that other major cities of the country have such a project in place to monitor the city through CCTV cameras.

"The house hereby recommends the immediate initiation of the 'Safe City project' in the city, starting from districts of the city more vulnerable to street crimes, rather than the Red Zone of the city where the already protected VIPs reside," said the resolution.

The MQM-P lawmaker further suggested that strict action be taken against police officials, including area SHOs, if they "fail to curb the crime rate in their relevant areas".

In recent months, the country's most populous city has witnessed an upsurge in street crime, which has prompted concerns over public safety and the apparent lack of law enforcement measures.

Incidents of street crime have become rampant across the city, and their CCTV footage has become viral on social media platforms, day in and day out.

Furthermore, as per data compiled by the Citizen Police Liaison Committee, an organisation that collects crime data in Karachi, during January and February: a total of 106 fatalities occurred in the city, 11 cases of kidnapping for ransom were reported, a staggering 10,488 motorcycles and 441 cars were stolen, and approximately 4,000 incidents of mobile phone snatching were reported.

Responding to the escalating crisis, the Sindh government has announced measures to address the issue, including bolstering police presence through recruitment drives. The Express Tribune learnt from sources familiar with the development that as part of this initiative, approximately 11,000 new police recruits are being enlisted across the province, with 3,885 slated for deployment in Karachi, in the first phase.

In subsequent phases, at least 12,000 new police personnel will be recruited for the port city's 108 police stations, which will double the strength of the city's police force.