Sindh crime falls, Karachi snatchings spike | The Express Tribune

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday reviewed the province’s law and order situation during a meeting, where officials claimed an overall decline in crime during the first half of 2026, while flagging a worrying increase in mobile-phone snatching in the provincial metropolis.

The meeting was informed that intelligence-led policing, improved coordination among law enforcement agencies, targeted operations against criminal networks, and enhanced border security had contributed to a reduction in serious crimes, terrorism-related incidents and street crime across the province.

However, IG Police Javed Alam Odho acknowledged that mobile phone-snatching incidents had increased, particularly in Karachi, and required focused intervention.

Attendees at the meeting included Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan and other senior officials.

According to official data presented during the meeting, murders declined by 17.3%, robbery-cum-murder by 19.4%, robberies causing injuries by 25.4%, and overall robberies and dacoities by 18.9% between January and June 2026, compared to the same period last year. Incidents of car snatching dropped by 23.9%, motorcycle snatching by 31.1%, and motorcycle theft by 22.1%.

In Karachi, overall street crime decreased by 11.77%, while deaths and injuries during robberies fell by 38.3% and 39.1%, respectively. Car and motorcycle snatching cases also saw visible declines.

Police also intensified operations against criminal groups, conducting 2,184 encounters in the first six months of the year, compared to 1,574 in the corresponding period of 2025. Officials said 1,087 criminal gangs were dismantled, 187 suspects killed, and thousands arrested. Large quantities of illegal weapons were also seized.

The meeting was told that counterterrorism efforts had yielded substantial gains, with terrorism-related incidents dropping by 75%. The Counter-Terrorism Department carried out 777 intelligence-based operations, arresting 355 suspects linked to banned outfits, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch militant groups and sectarian organisations.

Authorities also highlighted progress in anti-narcotics operations, noting that more than 7,000 raids were conducted, leading to over 7,400 FIRs and the arrest of more than 9,000 suspects. Significant quantities of drugs, including heroin, hashish and crystal meth, were recovered.

Operations in riverine (katcha) areas under “Operation Nijat-e-Mehran” were also discussed, with officials claiming that 275 dacoits were killed and hundreds arrested since January. Overall, 550 suspects were either arrested or surrendered during the campaign.

On the technological front, the chief minister was informed that over 1,300 surveillance cameras had been installed across Karachi under the Safe City project, equipped with facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition systems. Moreover, 381 cameras were installed at 40 toll plazas under the Sindh Smart Surveillance System, leading to hundreds of arrests and vehicle recoveries.

Traffic enforcement also improved, with over 1.24 million digital challans issued, resulting in a 44% reduction in accidents, 19% in fatalities and 27% in injuries. Security arrangements at key interprovincial border points and crossing areas were also strengthened through enhanced patrolling and check-posts.

Expressing satisfaction over the overall improvement, CM Shah directed law enforcement agencies to sustain momentum and further strengthen preventive policing. “Protection of citizens’ life and property is the government’s foremost responsibility,” he said, adding that no leniency would be shown towards criminals, terrorists, drug traffickers or extortionists.

CM Shah also ordered intensified intelligence-based operations, stronger surveillance through modern technology, and decisive action against street crime hotspots, particularly mobile snatching.

He further directed authorities to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals, foreign missions, sensitive installations and religious gatherings, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to maintain peace and stability across Sindh. “Every district must remain alert at all times,” he said, urging officials to consolidate gains through sustained and effective measures.