KARACHI: Several female students travelling in a vehicle of their medical college were robbed by armed men on Thursday within the limits of the New Town police station, prompting police authorities to take notice, officials said.

Police said that they were travelling in a coaster belonging to the Jinnah Medical and Dental College when three suspects riding a motorcycle intercepted them in the Bahadurabad area.

Two of the suspects boarded the vehicle while the third remained seated on the motorcycle. They snatched cell phones and ornaments from the students and fled.

The police, however, claimed that only two mobile phones and one artificial bracelet were snatched at gunpoint.

Taking notice of the incident, Sindh IGP Javed Alam Odho sought a detailed report from the Addl. IGP Karachi.

He also ordered strict action against the concerned SHO and other police personnel. He further directed that, in light of the witnesses’ statements, the suspects should be arrested immediately.

Meanwhile, Syed Aminul Haq, MNA of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, said in a statement that the looting of the female students in a point van had created fear and panic among citizens.

He added that it appeared the Sindh government had left citizens at the mercy of dumper and tanker mafias as well as robbers, and that the incident of looting in broad daylight clearly reflected this.

Mr Haq urged Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to take the police to task over their failure to control crime.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2026