KARACHI: Armed robbers reportedly set up a fake checkpoint on the Shah Faisal Colony–Korangi bridge, causing panic among residents after a video of the incident circulated online. According to citizens, around 12 to 15 suspects blocked the bridge and looted commuters at gunpoint late at night. The group allegedly carried Kalashnikovs and other modern weapons, while they violently assaulted those who resisted.
Escalating Fear Among Residents
Residents stated that the suspects placed barriers to stop vehicles before carrying out the robberies. Consequently, commuters found themselves trapped and vulnerable on the bridge. Sources further claimed that the group operated from a nearby settlement, which allowed them to flee easily after committing the crimes. As a result, the incident intensified fear among locals, who have increasingly voiced concerns about rising street crime across Karachi.
Police Version and Response
However, police presented a different account of the situation. Officials stated that three suspects attempted to intercept a car, but the driver managed to escape by driving on the wrong side of the road. This action, they added, triggered panic and caused a traffic jam in the area. Subsequently, police reached the scene and resorted to aerial firing, yet the suspects still managed to escape. Authorities also noted that no formal complaint of robbery has been registered so far.
Meanwhile, recent data highlights the worsening law and order situation. A report by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee revealed over 3,600 vehicle theft and snatching cases in March 2026, including cars and motorcycles. Additionally, citizens lost more than 1,200 mobile phones, while incidents of murder, extortion, and kidnapping further underscored the growing security challenges.
