Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho announced on Friday that street crimes in the city have decreased by 50% in the first quarter of 2024, despite the fact that such crimes have claimed 100 lives this year.
“The police are focusing on eliminating street crimes,” said Odho, who became the city’s top cop in July.
In response to rising crime, he ordered increased patrolling, combing operations, and other initiatives last week.
Odho also provided an update on the Safe City project, stating that 25% of the planned cameras will be installed in the first phase. This long-awaited project aims to enhance surveillance and security in Karachi but has faced slow progress, leaving the city vulnerable to crime.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah recently highlighted the project as a vital step toward making Karachi safer. In a meeting, he noted that work on the project’s first phase has been expedited, achieving several key milestones.
Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon reported that 1,300 cameras will be set up across various locations, with all site surveys for 300 poles and 18 points of presence already completed. So far, 50 poles have been installed, and work continues at other sites. The Central Police Office (CPO) has also received equipment for a control room and data center, including a video wall, which currently receives live feeds from 35 cameras at seven locations, as stated by provincial minister Sharjeel Memon.
Odho noted that the police had arrested a major criminal gang operating in the Site Super Highway area and apprehended suspects involved in significant robbery incidents, thanks to improvements in police investigative methods.
He expressed sorrow over the recent killing of a police officer who bravely confronted robbers, stating that the officer will be nominated for a civil award.
Addressing the issue of increasing terrorism in the country, Odho emphasized the need for anti-terrorism support, stating that the approach to combatting terrorism differs from that of other crimes.
Street crimes in Karachi are a serious concern, with over 50,000 incidents reported by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) from January to August this year. This number only reflects reported cases, with many more likely unreported. On average, 208 criminal cases are documented daily, primarily involving the theft and snatching of mobile phones, cars, and motorbikes. These crimes have not only deprived many of their belongings but have also resulted in 100 fatalities and nearly 500 injuries from gunfire.
