Karachiites have right to fight back against street criminals: AIG

Azad Khan says citizens can legally use licensed weapons in self-defence

KARACHI:

Amid rising public anxiety over relentless street crimes in the metropolis, the city police chief on Tuesday publicly backed citizens' right to use licensed weapons in self-defence, saying the law permits people to protect themselves against armed robbers and muggers.

AIG Azad Khan's remarks come at a time when Karachiites continue to face frequent incidents of mobile phone snatching, motorcycle theft and armed robberies on busy roads and in densely populated neighbourhoods as trigger-happy muggers operate with impunity, killing people on resistance.

Speaking to journalists during a ceremony at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), AIG Khan said Karachiites had previously used licensed weapons for self-defence and could continue to do so under the law. "Citizens have the right to defend themselves against street criminals," he said, adding that the prevailing laws allow lawful weapon holders to protect their lives and property.

Referring to the recent firing incident in Saddar that triggered panic in the commercial hub, the city police chief said an FIR had been registered on behalf of the state. He added that police had impounded one vehicle involved in the incident and were working to trace another.

AIG Khan maintained that Karachi's overall crime rate had declined, citing data issued by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), though he admitted that crime incidents usually surge during the Eid season.

He said Karachi's complex ethnic and tribal dynamics also contributed to violent disputes and warned that those involved in tribal clashes would face strict action.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, AIG Khan said ensuring security in the Korangi industrial area remained one of the Sindh police's top priorities and vowed not to allow criminal elements to regain a foothold in the city.

Calling street crime Karachi's biggest challenge, he said police were working on long-term measures to improve the law and order situation.

According to the AIG, incidents of robbery and murder declined by 44 per cent during the past five months, while car snatching cases dropped by 17 per cent. Mobile phone snatching incidents decreased by five per cent, whereas motorcycle theft and snatching cases declined by 20 per cent.

He said the Safe City project had become operational again and would help authorities tackle both crime and traffic violations. Around 2,000 new surveillance cameras would be installed across the metropolis this year, he added. "The presence of cameras is helping reduce crime," he said.

AIG Khan also said the e-challan system had resolved several traffic-related issues, though some motorists had started tampering with number plates to avoid fines. He added that authorities were considering providing tablets to traffic police officers for issuing digital challans.