Despite decline, Karachi street crimes remain a major threat

This is the reference to the editorial (MAY 15 ) on the issue of street crimes in Karachi, which continues to threaten the safety and well-being of its residents.

According to recent reports, Karachi witnessed over 10,000 street crime incidents in the first two months of 2025, despite a 28.8 % decline compared to the same period in 2024. These incidents resulted in 12 deaths and 41 injuries during robbery resistance, with daily averages of 48.4 mobile phone snatchings, 5 car thefts or snatchings , and 125 motorcycle thefts or snatchings.

In 2024 alone, Karachi witnessed over 72,000 street crime incidents, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,503 lives, including women, children, and law enforcement personnel. The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) reported that between January and November 2024, there were 66,530 incidents of street crime, including the theft and snatching of 1,913 cars, 46,404 motorbikes, and 18,213 mobile phones.

After seeing all of these incidents, the government and law enforcement agencies have to take immediate and effective actions to address the root causes of street crimes and restore public confidence in the rule of law since the citizens of Karachi deserve to live in a city where they feel secure in their homes and on the streets.

Muhammad Jawad

Karachi