Preempting street crime

The high frequency of violent street crimes is a major concern for people across the country, but perhaps nowhere more so than in Karachi. The situation in Pakistan’s biggest city has been so bad for several years that most common citizens expect to be robbed at some point in their lives, and everyone knows somebody who has been the victim of an armed robbery. Many criminals are also able to evade justice, though we do get the occasional case of comeuppance, such as a recent death sentence for a robber who killed one of his victims.

But when dealing with street crime, it is crucial to consider a multifaceted approach rather than relying solely on punitive measures such as capital punishment. There is plenty of data from around the world to show that the death penalty does not deter ‘new’ criminals, it just ends the ability of ‘current’ criminals to commit crimes. And even though the death penalty remains overwhelmingly popular among citizens, if it must remain on the books, its use needs to be minimised. Instead, the goal should be reducing crime, which requires a comprehensive long-term strategy addressing the underlying causes of street crime. Sky-high inflation, unemployment and underemployment all contribute to a sense of deprivation that can lead people to indulge in criminal activities. While these are largely federal-level issues, high dropout rates and lack of healthy after-school activities also factor into high crime rates, and these are entirely within the provincial and city governments’ domains.

In addition to rigorous law enforcement, efforts should be directed towards creating employment opportunities, raising awareness about the impact of crime on communities, and providing educational programmes to prevent individuals from engaging in criminal activities. This approach recognises that addressing street crime goes beyond punishment and requires proactive measures to address social and economic factors that contribute to criminal behaviour. By adopting a holistic strategy, communities can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents.