Karachi has seen a surge in street crime, including thefts of vehicles and mobile phones, as well as a rise in killings and extortion cases from January to April this year, as per data from the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). During this period, 611 cars and 13,346 motorcycles were stolen in Karachi, with a total value in millions of rupees, highlighting the prevalence of vehicle-related crimes in the city. Additionally, 5,567 mobile phones were snatched from individuals during street crimes in the same timeframe, according to Pakistan’s daily The Express Tribune.
Violent incidents have also been on the rise in Karachi, with 176 reported murders and 61 extortion cases during the January-April period. The data reveals that in April alone, 22 cars were snatched and 111 were stolen, along with 469 snatched motorcycles and 2,723 stolen ones. Moreover, 1,624 mobile phones were snatched, and 42 individuals lost their lives in separate incidents during this 30-day period.
The Police Women and Child Protection Cell disclosed that between January and April this year, 388 adults and 10 minors in Karachi experienced domestic violence, harassment, abuse, and related offenses. The report sheds light on the prevalence of domestic abuse in Karachi, with 297 complaints received by authorities during the mentioned period. Of these complaints, 190 were resolved, while nearly 100 cases are still pending, indicating delays in providing assistance to victims. Three formal cases were registered by the police in incidents of domestic violence.
Instances of harassment have been increasing in Karachi, with the protection cell receiving 83 complaints related to harassment and intimidation. Among these complaints, 42 have been resolved, while actions are ongoing for the remaining 41 complaints. Notably, one formal case has been filed in a harassment incident. Additionally, the cell received 19 complaints concerning sexual assault and other forms of intimidation, with nine resolved complaints and 10 cases under investigation and legal procedures.
