Karachi Reports Over 44,000 Crimes in First Seven Months of 2024
At least eight criminals were apprehended overnight amid a surge in criminal activity in Karachi. A report by the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) reveals a staggering total of over 44,000 reported crimes in the city during the first seven months of 2024, with motorcycle theft and snatching being the most prevalent offenses.
The report, obtained by Aaj News, indicates that more than 31,000 motorcycles were either stolen or snatched during this period, alongside over 1,000 stolen or snatched cars. Additionally, more than 11,000 mobile phones were reported snatched from citizens. January recorded the highest crime rate with 7,815 incidents, while June saw the lowest at 4,954. The crime rate initially rose in January, February, and March before declining starting in April.
Alarmingly, the recovery rate for stolen items remains low. Out of the over 11,000 stolen mobile phones, only 123 were recovered, and only 1,066 of the more than 31,000 stolen motorcycles were returned to their owners. The report also noted 12 cases of kidnapping for ransom and 57 extortion incidents during the same timeframe.
Violent Incidents Overnight
Karachi experienced a series of violent incidents overnight, including shootings, police encounters, and fatal accidents. In Orangi Town, Taj Muhammad Hanfi, a general secretary of a religious group, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when four assailants on two motorcycles opened fire on his vehicle. Fortunately, Hanfi was unharmed, but the attackers fled the scene near Islam Chowk, where the Shaheed-e-Islam Conference was taking place.
Alleged police encounters occurred in Gulbahar Eidgah Ground, Sher Shah Paracha Bridge, and Orangi Town, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects, one of whom was injured during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities recovered weapons, motorcycles, and mobile phones from the suspects.
In separate incidents, a man named Zubair sustained injuries from a shooting near Landi Chhoti Market, while another man, Naseeb Iqbal, was hit by a stray bullet near Korangi Bilal Masjid.
Additionally, a woman lost her life in a traffic accident near Northern Bypass MD Kat, and another individual died due to electrocution at his home near Sarjani Town.
