IN a highly condemnable incident in Karachi’s Naya Nazimabad locality recently, a violent mob comprising youngsters and under-age children, allegedly under the patronage, guidance and instigation of certain local elements and land-grabbers, attacked residential houses and apartments in the vicinity by pelting stones. As a result, valuable property was damaged, while women, children and elderly residents were subjected to severe fear, mental trauma and harassment. The unlawful activities continued intermittently from noon till 4pm, but, despite the prolonged disturbances, no law-enforcement agency reached the area to restore calm.

Such acts are not merely incidents of hooliganism, they amount to criminal intimidation, vandalism and organised terrorism against innocent citizens. The Constitution guarantees the protection of life, dignity and property.

Also, such acts fall within the definition of unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal intimidation, mischief, harassment and terrorism that are punishable offences under the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and other relevant laws.

It is the prime responsibility of the administration and law-enforcement agencies to ensure peace and security for citizens. Therefore, the authorities concerned, including the police and Rangers, must immediately identify and arrest the persons involved through CCTV footage and videos, including those avail-able on social media. Strict legal action should be taken against all the culprits, facilitators and instigators so that no such incident may occur in the future.

Safia Razi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026