Fatal Street Crime
KARACHI: The suspension of Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s station house officer (SHO) for poor performance underscores the gravity of yet another tragic street crime incident in Karachi.
The latest victim, 27-year-old mechanical engineer Itteqa Mooen Khan, fell prey to armed robbers near his residence in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 7 while returning from a nearby bakery.
The assailants fatally shot Khan and fled with his motorcycle, mobile phone, and wallet, leaving behind a scene of horror and grief.
In response to the incident, authorities have initiated legal proceedings by registering a case of robbery and murder at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Police Station, prompted by the victim’s brother’s complaint.
Additionally, a shell of a 9-millimeter pistol recovered from the crime scene has been sent for forensic analysis.
Meanwhile, a departmental inquiry has been launched to investigate any lapses in police response and performance.
Confirmed by police reports, the incident unfolded as a robbery attempt, with two unidentified suspects on a motorcycle perpetrating the violence before evading capture.
Efforts are underway to procure CCTV footage to aid in identifying and apprehending the culprits, although no formal case had been registered at the time of reporting.
This latest tragedy adds to a concerning trend of escalating street crime plaguing Karachi, the nation’s financial hub.
With 71 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone, citizens continue to fall victim to rampant criminal activity despite significant efforts to curb it.
President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent directives to launch a large-scale operation against street criminals and expedite the Karachi Safe City project underscore the urgency of addressing the deteriorating law and order situation in the city.
As authorities grapple with mounting challenges, the imperative to enhance security measures and combat criminal elements remains paramount in ensuring the safety and well-being of Karachi’s residents.
