Pakistan human rights body expresses concern over deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi

Karachi has been facing an increase in street crime in recent months. Data presented before a high-level security meeting last week showed more than 250 Karachiites were shot dead and 1,052 others were wounded by street criminals between 2022 and March 28, 2024, Dawn News reported.

Police sources told the newspaper that a significant increase in violent street crimes was registered over the past three years.

HRCP posted on X: "HRCP notes with deep concern that the state of law and order in Karachi has deteriorated alarmingly. Tens of thousands of street crimes were registered by the police in 2023, in which over a hundred people lost their lives. The first quarter of 2024 has followed the same pattern. While vigilantism and increased brutality in response by citizens is not the answer, the government's failure to address rising crime levels is shocking. The underlying factors such as economic desperation and unemployment need to be addressed urgently as well. HRCP demands immediate restoration of law and order to ensure rights to life and security for the citizens of Karachi."

A senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader on Monday demanded Karachi city should be handed over to the country's army for three months amid a rise in street crimes in recent times.

“The Sindh government and police have left the people of Karachi at the mercy of dacoits and street criminals as only on Monday robbers killed two citizens and looted over Rs12 million,” senior MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal told Dawn News.

He said  60 people had been killed in the first three months of the current year in the Pakistani city which reflected the failure of the police and the government to reduce street crimes.

“Karachi should be handed over to the army for three months as the Sindh government is not serious in providing protection to the life and property of citizens,” he said in a statement as quoted by Dawn News.

He asked Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar as to why police were not taking action against street criminals in the metropolis.