- Karachi drops from 6th place to 70th in World Crime Index
- Army official tweets report, social media users rejoice
- Karachites talk about what it is like living in the megacity
Dubai: Once listed amongst the world’s top 10 dangerous cities, crime in Karachi has dropped significantly according to a World Crime Index and Karachites are rejoicing on Twitter.
Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), chief spokesperson of Pakistan Armed Forces tweeted a report that was widely shared by Pakistani tweeps.
On his official Twitter account @OfficialDGISPR, he posted: “Karachi at one point in time (2014) was 6th in World Crime Index. Alhamdulillah, today it’s at 70th with many first world cities behind. Credit to team of Civil Administration and Security Forces esp Int, Police and Sindh Rangers. Also to the citizens of Karachi. More stability IA.”
He took the opportunity to thank security forces, police officials, Sindh Rangers (part of the Pakistan Rangers who are a paramilitary law enforcement organisation) and intelligence agencies in helping to decrease crime.
The report was carried by Numbeo, which is described as a crowd-sourced global database.
Ghafoor’s tweet has received major response from Karachites appreciating the improved conditions of the city.
Replying to it, tweep @bigappleyankee posted: “Great job by security forces. We can proud on them they established a peace in Karachi. Hopefully they will return the lights of Karachi again.”
Whereas, Twitter user @MoeedNj thanked security forces as well: “Congratulations! To Pakistan Rangers, Karachi Police and citizens of Pakistan’s largest metropolis for making this great transformation towards security and normalcy!”
Karachites speak
Karachi is the most populous city in Pakistan, located in the Sindh province. The metropolitan was given the nickname of ‘City of Lights’. However, due to long-standing political turmoil, security issues and other urban problems, many believe the city has lost the status it once had.
Now that such reports provide some relief to those who belong to the megacity, they are appreciating it and also highlighting the progress that is yet to be made.
Hashim Noor who moved to Dubai six years ago, grew up in Karachi. Hearing about the report he said: “I am extremely delighted to see the law and order situation being restored back in Karachi. I remember the days when people of Karachi we scared to even step out of their homes. So it’s good to see that things are turning around. This will not just help the people of Karachi but it is beneficial for the whole of Pakistan.”
I am extremely delighted to see the law and order situation being restored back in Karachi. I remember the days when people of Karachi we scared to even step out of their homes.
Whereas, Masood Shehzad who also grew up in Karachi and is currently living in Dubai said: “I have to be honest, whoever I meet complains about robberies and snatching. I don’t know how much these have decreased. However, the overall environment has improved. I was in Karachi a few days ago and people were out on famous food streets even late at night like after 1am. This wasn’t seen as often, five years ago. So, I am glad there’s some improvement.”
I was in Karachi a few days ago and people were out on famous food streets even late at night like after 1am. This wasn’t seen as often, five years ago.
Shehzad also highlighted the role of Pakistan Rangers in restoring peace in Karachi: “Whenever rangers are deployed in Karachi, the situation calms down. However, when their contract or extension gets over, the situation returns back to how it was. This has been seen over and over again throughout the years. We need a long-term solution.”
Munazzah Tariq, who currently lives in Karachi has seen a major difference in the environment of the city. “As a woman, I can definitely say that it’s much easier and safer to go out, even late at night. There was a time that people were scared to leave their homes and go out late but that has changed. Looking at how busy the malls, restaurants and streets have returned to being, is an obvious sign of the change,” she said.
Speaking about the safety of her loved ones, the mother-of-one said: “I still fear for the safety of my child. The situation hasn’t improved so much that we send our children outside alone and carefree, although, I hope that day comes. With the current government, I think it is possible.”
