Climate of fear

Published September 4, 2012

NOT that it has been addressed in the way it needs to be, but at least politically motivated and high-level organised crime in Karachi is reported. What go unmentioned are the day-to-day muggings that have now claimed so many victims among us. Most Karachi residents are able to name several friends and relatives who have had their belongings stolen at gunpoint, so they consider it only a matter of time before they too are targeted. And they know they won’t be able to resist in the face of armed robbers, especially while stopping at traffic lights or getting stuck in traffic jams. They are sitting ducks when thieves tap on their windows with their guns, even in broad daylight. Nor is there justice to be had after the event; police are either unable to track down perpetrators or are reluctant to record the crimes for fear of worsening the criminal record in their jurisdictions. And citizens are more than happy not to register complaints, not wanting to get involved in investigations that they do not believe will deliver justice.

Together these factors have created a climate of fear that haunts all residents of Karachi, who have had to adapt to this fact of life in any number of ways. From carrying decoy cellphones and avoiding carrying cash to thinking twice about venturing out after dark and having to avoid certain roads and areas, they have developed new, more constrained lives in response to a threat that seems inescapable. Most frustrating is the knowledge that nothing much will change until there is a transformation in larger social realities, such as the availability of weapons in the city or unemployment. And that is nowhere on the horizon.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...