'Networks of organised crime in Karachi alarmingly strong'

City police chief says mafias enjoy political backing which makes it difficult to take action against them

KARACHI:

Karachi Police Chief AIG Azad Khan, in a damning admission, has revealed that the metropolis is trapped in a powerful and deeply rooted criminal system, alleging that police personnel, senior bureaucrats, politicians, and even some media figures are part of an organised crime network operating in the city.

Speaking during an informal interaction with journalists at the Karachi Police Office on Tuesday, the AIG said the organised crime networks in Karachi are so strong that not only he, but the provincial police chief as well, is helpless before them.

Responding to a question, he acknowledged that the 'crime system' in Karachi is similar to those found in other major cities, where police officers, politicians, and media persons allegedly form alliances with mafias for financial gains. Such collusion strengthens organised crime, he added.

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When journalists pointed out the involvement of certain police officers in criminal activities, AIG Khan said the number of officers connected to mafias was far higher than the names being discussed. He claimed that many officers are involved in running criminal dens and drug trafficking across the metropolitan city.

Expressing frustration, the city police chief said that despite having evidence against several officers, action could not be taken. “If six out of 20 SSPs are connected to mafias, how is it possible that no action is taken against them, while others are penalised?” he questioned, adding that those linked to the 'illegal system' enjoy complete impunity.

Referring to his previous posting in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, AIG Khan said the situation in K-P was different, as the IG had the authority to appoint or remove officers at will, which led to improvements in police performance. On the contrary, he said there is no level-playing field in Karachi, where everyone—from an SHO to the IG—is helpless before the 'system'. He added that standing against the 'system' is extremely difficult, while becoming part of it makes life easier.

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Khan mentioned that his main focus is on curbing organised crime in Karachi, including drug trafficking and street crime. He specifically mentioned that no crime can remain hidden from the area police station, pointing out discrepancies where one police station shows a low crime rate while a neighbouring station reports higher figures.

He said efforts are underway to strengthen internal accountability and ensure the right officers are posted in the right positions. However, he admitted that even senior officers often become helpless when dealing with certain people who are difficult to remove. Officers removed in the past for their direct involvement in crimes are often reinstated due to political backing, he added.

The AIG also acknowledged shortcomings in the Police Investigation Department and issues related to funding. He clarified that the problem is not a lack of funds but the failure to utilise them properly, adding that police funds often remain unused until the end of the financial year. “There is a serious need to reform this system,” he concluded.