KARACHI – The city has experienced a sharp increase in criminal activity during the first five months of 2025, with over 26,500 cases reported, according to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).
The crime data reveals that 245 people lost their lives in various incidents. Out of these, 48 victims were fatally shot while resisting robberies.
Street crimes remain a major concern. The CPLC reported 17,994 cases of motorcycle theft and snatching, along with 684 incidents involving cars and other vehicles. Mobile phone snatching incidents were also rampant, with over 6,489 cases recorded.
Cases of organized crime have also emerged. During the same period, 11 abductions for ransom and 32 cases of extortion were reported, highlighting the ongoing threat from criminal networks operating in the city.
One such case involved Nasir Hussain, who was abducted on October 5 from Sector 5-D, Bilal Colony in Karachi’s Central district. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs. 1 million for his release. The case was reported at Bilal Colony Police Station and later handed over to the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC).
A joint operation by the AVCC and CPLC led to the safe recovery of the victim. “The abductee recovered safely however the kidnappers managed to escape,” officials confirmed.
In a separate development, Karachi’s District Malir Jail witnessed a major jailbreak on a Monday night. During a citywide panic caused by earthquake tremors, 216 inmates escaped from custody. One prisoner was killed, and several others were injured in the chaos. Authorities reported that many inmates, who were already out of their barracks, overpowered the guards and fled during the confusion.
The rising number of crimes continues to raise alarms for citizens and law enforcement alike, with urgent calls for enhanced security and improved policing in the city.