In recent years, Pakistan’s two largest cities, Lahore and Karachi have witnessed a disturbing surge in armed street robberies. Criminals, often riding motorcycles and armed with guns or knives, blatantly target pedestrians, bikers, and businesses even in broad daylight. This wave of violent crime has left citizens fearful and authorities scrambling for solutions.
Lahore has seen a dramatic 200% spike in street crimes, with daily reports exceeding 100 cases of robberies and thefts across the city. Similarly, in Karachi –official statistics presented at a recent high-level security review revealed that street criminals have gunned down nearly 300 victims between 2022 and 2024.
Source: Pakistan Today
According to the latest Gallup & Gilani survey, public perception of street crime shows a marked shift, with 47% of respondents in 2024 reporting an increase – a significant rise compared to previous years’ findings.
Source: Gallup Pakistan
While official data shows a 28.18% year-over-year reduction in street crime compared to 2024, this statistical improvement offers little comfort to citizens. Even with the decline, reported incidents still exceed 10,000 cases in 2025 alone.
Source: Tribune
Crime Hot Zones: Where Robberies Are Most Frequent
Karachi’s Most Dangerous Areas
Karachi, a sprawling metropolis with a history of crime, has seen resurgence in armed robberies, particularly in low-income and densely populated neighborhoods. Korangi, Landhi, and Orangi Town report frequent motorcycle snatchings, where thieves often attack pedestrians and snatch phones, wallets, and jewelry at gunpoint.
In more central areas like Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Nazimabad where criminals frequently target people near ATMs, markets, and public transport hubs. Meanwhile, Lyari’s older sectors remain hotspots due to lingering gang activity, with street crimes often linked to organized networks.
Lahore’s Rising Crime Spots
Lahore, traditionally considered safer than Karachi, has also experienced a spike in violent street crimes. Major roads such as Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, and Canal Road have become dangerous due to snatchings during traffic jams. Areas like Ichhra, Shadman, and Gulberg report a high number of robberies targeting women for purses and mobile phones.
Source: Punjab Police | Crime Statistics
On the outskirts, including Jallo and Raiwind, poor policing and limited surveillance make highways and isolated streets prime locations for armed robberies.
Root Causes: Why Are Street Robberies Increasing?
Economic Hardship and Unemployment
One of the biggest drivers of street crime is economic instability. With inflation soaring and unemployment rising, many desperate individuals turn to robbery as a means of survival. As per research, urban poverty has worsened, pushing daily-wage laborers and low-skilled workers toward crime.
Weak Law Enforcement and Corruption
Despite efforts to improve policing, understaffed police forces and lack of resources hinder effective crime prevention. In many cases, criminals operate with impunity due to corruption within law enforcement institutions. Further bribes and political interference often allow offenders to evade justice. As various reports state that police corruption remains a major obstacle in prosecuting criminals, particularly in street robbery cases.
Easy Access to Illegal Weapons
Pakistan’s problem with illegal firearms exacerbates street crime. Many robbers carry unlicensed pistols and knives, often smuggled from tribal regions or manufactured in local illegal workshops. The Sindh and Punjab police have conducted raids to recover illegal weapons, but the flow remains unchecked.
Poor Urban Infrastructure
Dark alleys, broken streetlights, and unmonitored roads provide ideal conditions for criminals. Many robberies occur in areas with minimal CCTV coverage, making it difficult for police to track suspects.
Police Response: Are Authorities Doing Enough?
Karachi’s Crime-Fighting Measures
The Sindh Police have introduced initiatives like the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell (AVLC), which has recovered thousands of stolen motorcycles. However, prosecution rates remain low due to weak evidence collection.
The Safe City Project, featuring surveillance cameras, was launched to monitor high-crime zones. However, reports indicate that many cameras are non-functional or poorly maintained, reducing their effectiveness.
Lahore’s Security Strategies
In Punjab, Dolphin Force, a rapid-response unit, has been deployed to curb street crimes. While they have intercepted some robberies, the sheer volume of incidents has overwhelmed them.
Source: Dawn
The PUCAR-15 app also allows citizens to report crimes digitally, but slow police follow-up discourages many from using it.
Challenges in Prosecution
A major hurdle in combating street crime is the lack of forensic evidence. Many cases rely on witness testimony, which is often unreliable. Additionally, victims frequently avoid reporting crimes due to fear of police harassment or retaliation from criminals.
Community-Led Solutions: How Citizens Are Fighting Back
Neighborhood Watch Programs
In Karachi, the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has been instrumental in tracking stolen phones and vehicles through a centralized database. Similarly, in Lahore, Resident Associations (RAs) in upscale areas have hired private security to patrol streets.
Public Awareness and Self-Defense
Citizens are adopting precautions such as:
- Avoiding late-night travel in high-risk areas.
- Using mobile tracking apps (Find My iPhone, Google’s Find My Device) to locate stolen devices.
- Sharing suspect descriptions and CCTV footage on social media to aid police.
Demanding Better Policing
Activists and community leaders are pressuring local lawmakers to increase police patrols and improve street lighting. Public protests have occasionally forced authorities to take action, such as installing more cameras in crime-prone zones.
The Way Forward: Long-Term Solutions
Stricter Gun Control Laws
A crackdown on illegal weapons is necessary to reduce armed robberies. Authorities must strengthen border controls to stop smuggling and conduct regular raids on illegal arms dealers.
Economic Rehabilitation Programs
Job creation initiatives, especially for at-risk youth, can reduce the temptation to turn to crime. Vocational training and small business grants could provide alternative livelihoods.
Expansion of Surveillance Networks
The Safe City Project must be expanded with AI-powered cameras and real-time monitoring to deter criminals. Better coordination between police and city administrations is crucial.
Afterword
The surge in armed street robberies in Lahore and Karachi is a complex issue driven by economic hardship, weak law enforcement, and easy access to weapons. While police efforts have had some success –community involvement and policy reforms are essential for long-term solutions. Without urgent action, street crime could escalate into a full-blown public safety crisis, further eroding trust in law enforcement and destabilizing urban life.
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