— Sindh CM admits deteriorating law and order in Karachi, vows to take action
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Senator Faisal Subzwari Tuesday said his party will quit the federal government if the people of the port city continue to be killed amid the rise in street crimes across Karachi.
Lamenting the 15-year-long rule of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the province, the MQM-P senator said the demands for an operation would have come forward if such killings were happening elsewhere.
“If our people continue to be killed, we will leave the government,” he said, speaking with journalists in Karachi.
Karachi has been gripped by street crimes claiming the lives of dozens of citizens who have fallen victim at the hands of criminals for the past few weeks.
Many have been killed while resisting robberies and snatching incidents, particularly in the month of Ramadan during which criminals seem to have been let loose.
From January till March, at least 50 citizens have lost their lives due to street crimes. Meanwhile, six robbers have been killed in 75 police encounters while 93 accused were arrested with injuries.
However, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar termed crime “part of a daily life”, alleging that the worsening state of crimes in Karachi is being “exaggerated” in local media.
Contrary to his remarks, the Sindh cabinet, in its maiden meeting on March 13 was informed that nearly 16,000 street crimes had been recorded in the metropolis since January this year.
Taking a jibe at the deteriorating law and order situation in the port city, the senator said: “Police and criminals have come to celebrate Eid in Karachi.”
He questioned why barriers are not being placed on the streets to curb crimes in the city.
Addressing Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the senator insisted: “The interior minister should come to Karachi and sit with our representatives.”
Commenting on the matter of governorship in Sindh, Subzwari said that his party has not taken any decision with regards to the change of the governor. He added that Governor Kamran Tessori is the federation’s representative in Sindh and remains in office.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, acknowledged a worsening law and order situation in the province’s capital, Karachi.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Shah conceded that crime rates had risen in recent months, despite earlier concerns.
“The law and order situation is not satisfactory,” Shah said, “There has been an increase in crimes, and it’s not good.” He added that the government is taking measures to regain control and expressed hope for improvement.
This admission comes amidst Senate elections, where Shah confidently predicted a clean sweep for his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) due to a boycott by rivals. However, his comments highlight a pressing issue for Karachi residents facing a rise in criminal activity.
Shah’s acknowledgement of the problem and his commitment to addressing it could signal a shift in focus for the Sindh government. Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub, relies heavily on stability and security. Citizens will be looking for concrete actions to follow these words and ensure a safer environment.
