Karachi, Stemming the tide of street crime in Karachi is now at the forefront of policing priorities, as indicated by Additional Inspector General (IG) of Karachi, Khadim Hussain Rind. Speaking at a meeting organized by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Rind elaborated on the prevailing security concerns confronting the city.
In attendance were prominent figures such as KATI's President Faraz-ur-Rehman, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Vice President Muslim Mohammadi, and numerous other industrialists, businesspeople, and police officials.
According to a news release by Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Rind's strategy, bolstered by the support of KATI's members, pivots on bolstering the city's surveillance mechanisms. This involves installing 50 advanced cameras to monitor activity in sensitive zones. Addressing the assembly, KATI's President shed light on myriad challenges tormenting the industrial fraternity, ranging from extortion and targeted killings to the ominous shadow of criminal strongholds in the vicinity. Chhaya underscored some persisting issues, notably motorcycle and mobile thefts plaguing the Korangi Industrial Area.
Rind's remarks struck a note of optimism, highlighting the diminishing instances of street crime, a testament to the effective countermeasures by the police force. He committed to addressing KATI's concerns and accentuated the role of community-based policing. He announced the future installation of surveillance cameras in the Korangi Industrial Area as a reflection of modern, efficient policing.
KATI has historically fostered a symbiotic relationship with the city's police force, a sentiment echoed by Rind. He reiterated the importance of this bond, urging business leaders to communicate any threats promptly, allowing the police to act swiftly.
Touching upon the upcoming Safe City project, Rind conveyed hopefulness, outlining plans to focus on certain locales such as dhabas and street-side eateries, which are occasionally intertwined with illicit activities.
KATI's President emphasized the importance of a comprehensive crackdown on organized crime syndicates and highlighted the pressing traffic management issues. He also expressed reservations about the disproportionate allocation of police personnel for VVIP duties, suggesting that resources be judiciously reallocated, keeping in view the city's broader economic interests.
Chhaya praised the positive trajectory Karachi has witnessed but also pointed to the lingering threats, particularly in the industrial domain. He lauded the police for their unyielding resolve in maintaining peace, yet acknowledged the undeniable link between surging crime rates and economic hardships. The assembly resonated with a shared vision: the institution of a Safe City project mirroring those in Lahore and Islamabad, a step that could significantly uplift Karachi's security infrastructure. The event was a testament to the mutual dedication to sculpting a more secure milieu for the city's industrious community and its citizens at large.