Karachi safer than London, New York in terms of street crime, claims IGP Sindh

KARACHI, Apr 01 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Javed Alam Odho on Wednesday said that Karachi’s law and order situation was comparatively better than cities like London and New York in terms of street crime.

According to a news release, addressing industrialists at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, he said around 16,500 mobile snatching incidents were reported in Karachi over the past year, compared to approximately 84,000 such incidents in London.

He said crime statistics showed a declining trend, with a 54 per cent reduction in motorcycle snatching, 48 per cent decrease in car snatching and 35 per cent drop in mobile phone snatching in March this year compared to the same month last year.

The IGP added that killings during gunpoint snatching incidents had decreased by up to 88 per cent, indicating improved law enforcement efforts and better policing.

He emphasised that police alone could not succeed without public cooperation, urging citizens and the business community to support law enforcement agencies.

Javed Alam Odho said efforts were under way to improve traffic management, while the Safe City project had entered its second phase, under which 2,225 modern high-tech cameras, including facial recognition systems, were being installed. He added that road signage work was also progressing, and strict action, including registration of FIRs, would be taken against traffic violators.

He said 100 police mobile units would be repaired and made operational, adding that, on the request of KATI, four police stations covering the Korangi industrial area would be prioritised for provision of vehicles.

Highlighting ongoing operations, he said the police actions were intensified in riverine areas since January had resulted in 32 dacoits being killed, over 100 arrested and 225 surrendering, adding that the area had been cleared of criminal elements.

The IGP also pointed to drug addiction as a major concern, noting that many addicts were involved in crime. He stressed the need to activate rehabilitation centres and urged institutions and associations to support such initiatives.

Earlier, President KATI Muhammad Ikram Rajput said Sindh Police had rendered significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and crime, paying tribute to martyrs. He acknowledged ongoing efforts under the IGP’s leadership but noted that street crime and snatching incidents remained a concern for the business community.

He emphasised the importance of early completion of the Safe City project, stating that modern surveillance systems could play a key role in crime prevention and rapid response.

Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, in his vote of thanks, appreciated the IGP’s visit and expressed confidence in continued efforts by Sindh Police to maintain law and order in the city.

The event was attended by office-bearers of KATI, senior police officials and members of the business community.