1. Increasing Street Crimes in Karachi
Street crimes have unfortunately become a regular feature of all big
cities of Pakistan especially Karachi. Armed robbery, assault and
mugging have become a common feature of metropolitan life in
Pakistan. These criminals come well armed and well prepared to
commit the crimes by overpowering their victims with fear and
weapons. As a result the victims, which are generally white color
citizens, are deprived of their hard earned money and valuables.
There are many questions associated with rise in street crimes in
Pakistan. Why are crime rates so high in congested and relatively
poor areas of the city? Why are the young, poor and able-bodied
individuals involved in such crimes? Why only small and medium size
businesses and houses become the target of these crimes? Why
haven’t law enforcement agencies made any progress in reducing
these crimes?
Social researchers conclude that high rates of crime among the
young and poor are due to culture of poverty prevailing in their
neighborhood. As per these researchers, young residents of relatively
poor areas within metropolitan often lack the basic necessities of life
and develop values that imply violence as effective means of
attaining these items. This trend spreads fast within these
communities and poor youth, that generally lacks job opportunities,
becomes involved in these crimes to make both ends meet.
Moving on to the targets of these crimes, mostly small and medium
size businesses are targeted due to lack of adequate security
measures adopted by these business and individuals. These
criminals are less likely to face any close circuit camera system,
armed guards or alarm system in small and medium size locations.
These victims are also less likely to report a crime to police in order to
avoid lengthy and undue involvement by police in their affairs.
Similarly individual moving on foot in small streets are often target of
mugging and mobile phone snatching due to less chances of
resistance by these individuals.
The last question about action by law enforcement agencies against
these crimes is more complex in nature. Often due to small and petty
nature of these crime, involving snatching of mobile phones, credit

2. cards and other valuables, people choose not to report these crimes
to Police. Lengthy procedures involved for registration of complaint at
Police stations are also one of the reasons cited by the victims.
Involvement of some individuals from within the Police department to
aid criminals has also been sighted as for the free run being enjoyed
by these criminals.
Despite all the prevention schemes, street crimes are fast becoming
a major concern for citizens of Karachi and other big cities. The
solution lies not only in stern action against these criminals but also in
educating the youth against these crimes and providing them with
adequate social status and job opportunities.