THE thriving existence of resale markets dealing with stolen and looted goods fuels an endless cycle of crime and violence in the country. Criminals thrive on their ability to offload items, such as stolen or snatched mobile phones, jewellery and vehicles, to unscrupulous buyers.

Mobile phones are quickly sold off to dishonest shopkeepers, looted jewellery ends up in the hands of corrupt jewellers, and stolen cars are either sold in remote regions or dismantled and trafficked as spare parts through unethical dealers. These illegal transactions not only sustain, but actively encourage criminal activities.

If these resale markets were syste-matically eradicated, crime rates would plummet to negligible levels. The harsh truth, however, is that many law-enforcement personnel are well aware of the individuals and networks involved in this trade. Yet, rather than taking decisive action, some corrupt officials choose to profit from these activities, accepting bribes and turning a blind eye. This betrayal of duty exacerbates the problem and undermines justice.

Similarly, equally culpable are those who knowingly purchase stolen goods simply because they can get the stuff cheaper. Such individuals display a complete disregard for morality, enabling the crimes that disrupt societies and destroy lives.

In robberies and snatching incidents, victims often suffer serious harm or even lose their lives. By purchasing these stolen goods, buyers directly fund this violence. Therefore, all such people must be made to face rather strict legal consequences for sustaining the broader criminal ecosystem.

It is high time the government moved with unwavering resolve to dismantle the resale markets. Law-enforcement personnel must target not just the criminals who steal or snatch, but also the buyers and facilitators.

Only by holding every participant in this criminal chain accountable can we hope to break this cycle of crime, and restore safety and justice to our communities.

Mahfuz ur Rehman Pasha
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2026