KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday attributed the rise in street crimes in Karachi to the current financial situation of the country, and termed the situation ‘concerning’.
Talking to journalists in Karachi, the chief minister explained the possible reasons for the rise in crime, saying that in many instances, those involved in such incidents who were “forced” to resort to such actions due to economic conditions.
“One reason for the rise in street crime is absolutely clear that it is the present financial situation of the country. However, no one is seeking excuses and despite this, the responsibility is ours and we will fulfil it,” he added.
CM Murad further said some recent measures were taken to control the situation, police had been given necessary instructions and there was hope that an improvement would be seen. He added that technological improvements on the Safe Cities project were also in their final stages.
In response to a question regarding murder of a journalist in Karachi, CM Shah said three to four different leads were being worked on and the perpetrators would be arrested soon. He pointed out that the worsening law and order situation was a problem afflicting most cities of the country and not solely limited to Karachi.
CM Shah was also asked about the many recent harassment cases in Sindh’s educational institutions which he described as “unfortunate”. He stressed that measures, from judicial inquiries to changing administrative boards of institutions, had been taken to tackle the issue.
Earlier in the day, Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani also addressed the rise in street crimes and said no “considerable decrease” had been observed despite police efforts. Ghani said that crimes were occurring in other cities as well and it was wrong to “single out” Karachi.
Regarding journalist Ather Mateen’s murder, he said the police were on the right track and his killers would be apprehended in addition to the “very big street crime network operating in this city”.
