Police statistics indicate a decrease in reported street crimes in Karachi, Pakistan, from 71,105 cases in 2024 to over 64,000 in 2025. The data also reveal that incidents of vehicle hijackings and theft have reduced in the city. In 2025, 6,683 vehicles were hijacked at gunpoint, including 302 cars and 6,381 motorbikes, compared to 8,370 incidents in 2024. Additionally, 39,934 vehicles were stolen in 2025, down from 43,382 in the previous year.
Phone snatching incidents remain prevalent in Karachi, with 19,353 mobile phones snatched in 2024, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of street crime in the city. While the police statistics show a decrease in reported street crimes, the figures underscore the normalization of criminal activities in Pakistan’s largest city. More than 46,000 citizens lost their vehicles in 2025, and over 17,000 individuals were deprived of their mobile phones during the same year.
Experts caution against drawing broad conclusions based on a two-year comparison, highlighting that official figures may not capture the full extent of crime. They stress the need for a comprehensive data ecosystem that includes inputs from various stakeholders to address crime effectively. Underreporting is attributed to fear and institutional incentives, where citizens may avoid filing complaints due to anticipated challenges at police stations.
Karachi, being Pakistan’s principal port city and commercial hub, faces economic costs due to unchecked street crime. These costs include increased security expenses for businesses, disrupted logistics, reduced retail activity, and potential investment flight to safer areas. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that goes beyond managing narratives to effectively combat crime on the ground.
