Street Crime in Pakistan

Street crime has become a major issue in Pakistan these days. Especially Karachi, Lahore and other big cities of Pakistan are the main target of street crime. This crime is being committed by young generation. They snatch mobile phones, hand bags, motorcycles and cars and other things on gun point If any person tries to resist the criminals shoot him and run away.

Definition and Types

Street crimes are those crimes which are not so serious and mostly occur on railways stations, parks and streets. Street crimes may include drug dealing, prostitution, street assaults, street robberies, graffiti, vandalism, social incivilities and social and physical disorder.

Who are the street criminals?

There are two main groups of street criminals: young generation of rich families and unemployed people. The children of rich families are also involved in street crimes. They do all this just for their enjoyment. Unemployed people are also involved in street crimes as they cannot find any job in spite of having degrees in their hands. When they do not get job the majority of them start street crime in Pakistan.

Reasons of increasing street crimes in Pakistan

The main reason of increasing street crime in Pakistan is unemployment. The current unemployment rate in Pakistan is 5.90 which is higher as compared to the 4.0% in the US and the UK. Although the unemployment rate has dropped significantly from 7.6 in 2005 to 5.90 in 2019 it is still a big social issue and the cause of increasing street crime.

Impact of street crime on the social lives

Because of growing street crime the people are feeling unsafe. They are afraid of going out and feel unsafe, especially when they go out with their families. The main areas of street crimes are Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta and other big cities of Pakistan. Highest crime rate is in Karachi. Karachi is the haven of street criminals. People of Karachi are very afraid of it and cannot predict if they can return home safely.

Measures to prevent street crimes in Pakistan

It is the responsibility of government to control the street crime. It is also important that our police should be made aware to play their role and perform their duty to stop these crimes. Along with the law and order situation the government should also work on social improvement and create jobs for unemployed people to reduce the unemployment and poverty. On the legal front, the government should award punishment to the people who commit street crimes. The testing ground for curbing the street crime should be Karachi where the crime rate of this activity is increasing very fast. It is the responsibility of government to discourage this crime and provide positive and healthy activities for young generation of Pakistan. One of the most effective measure to prevent street crimes is to engage the young generation in healthy activities so the government should invite international players to come to Pakistan and manage games on international level.