KARACHI – After car theft of renowned singer Humaira Channa in Bahadurabad area of the port city, the data showed that how many cases of theft took place in Karachi and how they affected the people.
Karachi witnessed 39,098 reported incidents of theft and snatching involving motorcycles, cars and mobile phones during the first eight months of 2026, highlighting the scale of the city’s persistent street crime problem.
According to data compiled by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), 21,553 motorcycles were stolen between January and August, while another 3,591 were snatched at gunpoint or through other means.
Mobile phone snatching also remained widespread, with 12,846 incidents reported during the same period.
The figures further showed that 973 cars were stolen and 135 were snatched across the metropolitan city during the eight-month period.
Beyond property-related crimes, Karachi also recorded 356 homicides and 89 extortion cases between January and August 2026, according to the CPLC statistics.
The latest figures come against the backdrop of widespread complaints about street crime, with incidents affecting students, employees, business owners, professionals and even police personnel.
Different neighbourhoods, including Korangi, Landhi, Orangi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Clifton and Gulistan-e-Jauhar, have reported incidents of robbery and vehicle theft.
The situation reflects a persistent security challenge for residents, who often face financial losses and other difficulties even after the immediate threat of a robbery has passed.
For comparison, CPLC recorded 38,513 motorcycle thefts, 6,419 motorcycle snatchings and 17,675 mobile phone snatchings throughout 2025.
The annual data also included 1,859 stolen cars, 309 car snatchings, 567 homicides and 100 extortion cases.
However, the 2025 statistics cover a complete calendar year, whereas the 2026 figures represent only January to August and should not be treated as directly comparable annual totals.
The reported numbers reflect incidents registered with the relevant authorities and do not establish how many suspects were arrested, stolen items recovered or cases brought to a successful conclusion. They also exclude crimes that victims may have chosen not to report.
On Oct 29, 2026, Renowned Pakistani singer Humaira Channa became the latest victim of vehicle theft after her car was stolen from Karachi’s Bahadurabad neighbourhood, prompting the Sindh government to seek an urgent police report.
The incident occurred on Thursday near the Four Minarets roundabout, according to media reports. Police have registered a theft case at the New Town police station and launched an investigation to recover the vehicle.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the incident and directed the SSP Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC) and SSP East to submit reports.
He also instructed police officials to take immediate steps to trace the stolen car, recover it and apprehend those responsible.
