Within the first three months of 2022, more than 11,000 theft and robbery incidents were reported in Karachi alone, which reflects a complete failure of the law enforcement agencies in tackling crimes and protecting citizens. Many people lost their lives in resisting street crimes and theft.
Some people have linked the increase in crime rates to the high unemployment, illiteracy, rising inflation, and poverty, which has compelled people to commit crimes to make ends meet. This may be true to some extent; however, it is the police’s inaction that has further emboldened street criminals. They have taken up new tactics of committing crimes while the citizens are in a constant state of fear and insecurity. Most people have either been a victim of street crimes themselves or know someone who was recently victimised. Visiting a congested bazaar during broad daylight is just as unsafe as traveling on a desolate road at night. The disorderliness and a lack of safety are impacting the overall wellbeing of society.
The police rarely patrol in areas and fail to investigate cases properly. Although the provincial government recently met with law enforcement agencies to form a strategy to curb the rising crimes, we have yet to see effective implementation of these strategies. The police must undertake this task seriously to restore law and order and allow the citizens of Karachi to heave a sigh of relief.
KINZA FATIMA
KARACHI
