he deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi has caused a surge in crime, instilling fear among its residents during the first four months of 2024. Citizens find themselves at risk of losing not only their valuables but also their lives, as thieves and robbers run amok, stealing money, vehicles and smartphones.

The state of law enforcement in the metropolis has posited significant challenges for its residents. Over the last few weeks, many places in the city have become hunting grounds for armed robbers. The police have been struggling to contain the crime wave.

Recent crime statistics, shared by the Citizen Police Liaison Committee with The News on Sunday reveal a troubling trend of escalating crime rates in Karachi. In March alone, a staggering 1,808 mobile phones were snatched at gunpoint, underscoring the citizens’ vulnerability to such incidents. Moreover, the theft of two-wheelers has become common, with 4,546 reported cases.

Data from the Sindh Police’s official website paints a harrowing picture of violence in the city. In the Karachi range, a distressing toll of 21 lives was claimed by robberies and dacoities in the first two months of 2024. Reports from media outlets and law enforcement sources corroborate a surge in street crime, particularly plaguing District Central and District South.

The deteriorating crime landscape in Pakistan has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The nation’s standing on the World Crime Index for 2024 is a dismal 85^th, with a crime rate of 43.2. With safety rate falling to a mere 56.8, urgent measures are warranted to address the pressing security concerns.

Amid mounting concerns over public safety, political leaders have joined the chorus of voices calling for action to protect citizens, particularly against the backdrop of escalating street crime.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Karachi’s biggest political party, has sounded the alarm over the surge in street crime following the recent incidents. The party has issued a stern warning, declaring intentions to call for protest demonstrations if authorities fail to rein in street crime in the city. Highlighting the grim toll, the MQM-P has reported 59 fatalities attributed to robberies in recent months.

Responding to the outcry, Mayor Murtaza Wahab has reassured citizens that the provincial government, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party, is implementing important measures to combat crime across the province, with Karachi being a key focus area.

Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has acknowledged the prevalence of street robberies in major cities worldwide, including Karachi. In a recent media briefing, Sharjeel Inam Memon pinned the blame for the recent deterioration in security squarely on the caretaker government in the province.

It is hoped that law enforcement agencies will step up efforts to combat the issue of street crime in Karachi.

The author is a freelance contributor. He can be reached at arslanshahzad882 @gmail.com