With the spike in street crimes and robberies, Karachi has turned into a city of gloom. Criminals roam the city robbing and killing innocent civilians with impunity. Parents fear for the safety of their children when sending them to school, people going to and returning from work are constantly vigilant to avoid being mugged off their belongings, and shopkeepers are constantly worried about robbers entering the store and robbing them of their earnings.
Much of the time, police officers offer little hope to victims of being able to recover their belongings due to which most people do not register an FIR. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that even police officers have been victims of snatchings. The prevailing situation has created a deep sense of paranoia, insecurity, and anxiety among the citizens.
The Sindh police have evidently failed to tackle the situation. The ‘mob management police force’ and increased patrolling have not rendered any positive results. It is high time that the provincial government and city administration considers the problem in earnest and chalk out a plan with law enforcement agencies to address the situation.
WASEEM SALEEM
KARACHI
