Since January, street crime in Karachi has tragically claimed the lives of at least 75 people, predominantly targeting individuals under 40. Nineteen-year-old Sahil Hussain is one such victim now living in constant fear. “My heart hasn’t been at ease since I was robbed. The fear is unrelenting, and I feel Karachi is no longer a livable city,” he shared.
Sahil’s ordeal occurred just a short distance from his home in Bhitaiabad. “The robber appeared out of nowhere while I was on the phone. He was alone, and there were two of us, but he seemed like an expert, a ruthless mugger,” Sahil recounted.
A university student, Sahil, said the robbery lasted less than a minute. He handed over his phone after a gun was pointed at him. Although he grew up in Karachi, Sahil now feels a constant fear he never experienced before. “I don’t go out alone anymore.”
Many robbery victims, like Sahil, choose not to report their incidents to the police, believing recovery of stolen items is unlikely. “Going to the police station brings another set of fears, so I decided it was better to stay silent,” he explained.
Ibrahim, a father of two young boys, has also restricted his sons’ outdoor activities. “I even ask them not to go out during the day,” he lamented about the city’s deteriorating law and order situation. “Youth tend to be aggressive and might react to such incidents, putting them at risk. As a parent, I can’t afford that.”
Ibrahim noted that his friends have similarly advised their sons to avoid any resistance during robberies. “We tell them to stay at home or nearby. But we can’t confine them forever. This city is not for the youth.”
Police reports indicate that, in addition to fatalities, at least 224 people have been injured in robbery-related incidents this year. Furthermore, 9,091 mobile phones, 110 cars, and 4,131 motorcycles have been stolen.
Information from Karachi Police revealed that 81 suspects were killed in 592 encounters, with 630 injured and 287 arrested. “For us, the police and muggers are the same,” said Zeeshan, recently stopped by Shaheen Force personnel on Sunset Boulevard.
“They stopped us, searched our pockets without explanation, and treated us like criminals,” he said. “I hate this city’s police. Robbers just take our valuables, but the police insult us.”
Police defend their actions, stating that suspicious behavior often necessitates stops. “One of them tried to avoid eye contact, making us suspicious,” explained Altaf Hussain of the Shaheen Force. “Most muggers are young, and we can’t tell until we stop them.”
When asked about their harsh treatment of young people, a police officer responded, “The youth aren’t good to us either.” He cited recent incidents where robbers had injured or killed citizens, emphasizing, “The robbers are cruel.”
As street crime escalates in Pakistan’s economic hub, residents have developed different strategies to cope, primarily by surrendering their valuables without resistance.
“Robbers should be dealt with on the spot, not handed over to the police,” commented a Karachi resident on social media after viewing a video of two robbers assaulting a citizen.
“If you want to live and avoid causing pain to your family, don’t resist,” advised another. Despite numerous meetings addressing Karachi’s law and order, the surge in crime continues unabated.
