THE surge in street crimes plaguing Karachi demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. The recent exchange between the MQM-P and the PPP in response to the escalating crisis highlights the need for political parties to prioritize cooperation over public disputes in addressing critical issues.
Data presented before a high-level security meeting last week revealed alarming statistics: more than 250 Karachiites were fatally shot, and 1,052 others sustained injuries in street crime incidents between 2022 and March 28, 2024. Additionally, last year saw a staggering increase in reported street crimes, with over 90,000 cases compared to the previous year’s figure of more than 80,000 cases. These numbers underscore the urgent need for robust measures. Not only do these crimes jeopardize the safety and security of the residents, but they also tarnish the city’s image and undermine its economic prosperity. It is imperative for political parties to set aside their differences and engage in constructive dialogue to formulate effective strategies to deal with such serious issues. Pointing fingers at each other in public forums accomplishes nothing. To address the immediate challenges posed by street crimes, bolstering police patrolling is essential. Increased police presence can serve as a deterrent and enhance response times to criminal incidents. However, this must be accompanied by systematic reforms within law enforcement agencies to ensure efficiency and accountability. Furthermore, the long-delayed Karachi Safe City project must be expedited without further delay. The installation of CCTV cameras across strategic locations not only will act as a deterrent but also provide crucial evidence for law enforcement agencies to apprehend perpetrators. The establishment of a command and control centre, akin to the one in Lahore, equipped with advanced surveillance technologies such as facial and vehicle recognition software, can significantly enhance monitoring capabilities and facilitate rapid response to criminal activities.
