Escalating crime
The escalating lawlessness in Karachi, marked by rampant armed robberies and brutal target killings, has reached a crisis point that demands immediate and decisive action. The recent killing of two brothers, who were owners of the renowned ice cream shop, is a harrowing example of the unchecked violence plaguing the city. The brothers were mercilessly gunned down by 6 to 7 men on motorcycles in broad daylight near the Gurumandir area, with CCTV footage revealing the brazen nature of the attack.
Tragically, this incident is not isolated. On April 21, a middle-aged businessman, Humayun, was similarly targeted and killed outside his home in DHA by his own cousin and friend. These heinous acts reflect a deeply troubling pattern of criminality that has become alarmingly commonplace. The city’s residents live in constant fear, knowing that neither wealth nor status can shield them from the violence that lurks around every corner. The perpetrators of these crimes operate with impunity, emboldened by a lack of effective law enforcement and a judicial system that often fails to deliver swift justice. Compounding the problem is the reported complicity of the police in these crimes. Numerous reports indicate that the police force is one of the most corrupt institutions in Pakistan, often involved in or turning a blind eye to criminal activities. This corruption undermines public trust and severely hampers efforts to combat crime effectively.
To address this spiraling crisis, heightened police presence in crime hotspots should be visibly heightened to deter potential offenders. Such dedicated police units must be better equipped with advanced technology and resources to track and apprehend criminals swiftly. Apart from this, corruption within the police must be eradicated through stringent accountability measures. The police force itself must undergo a comprehensive overhaul.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 31st, 2024.
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