WHEN a minister in the Sindh cabinet recently remarked that street crimes in Karachi were a part of everyday life, he actually insulted the families who have lost their loved ones to these crimes. The remark, say, also indicated the general apathy that is prevalent in the higher echelons of power towards matters of public importance.

Undoubtedly, Karachi is the financial hub of the country and the lifeline of the country’s economy. In this backdrop, a poor law and order situation in the city gives potential investors the message that this place is not safe and fit for doing business, leading to low foreign direct investment and flight of capital.

Just last year, over 90,000 cases of street crimes were reported in the city. This figure points to the seriousness of the matter. In this regard, I would like to recommend some measures to address this pressing issue. First, enforcement of the law at the grassroots level is the key here. The approach that was adopted by Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, needs to be emulated here as well.

Second, the safe city project like the one in other major cities should be launched as soon as possible. Lastly, speedy trial of the culprits involved in street crimes is an essential part of the process. As happens often, these criminals are repeat offenders who get off easily after securing bails for lack of evidence or due to poor prosecution.

It is high time the government took this matter with utmost seriousness.

Saad Ali
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2024