Karachi police vow tougher action on crime as business community raises security concerns

Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Karachi Azad Khan assured the business community on Tuesday that safeguarding Karachi remains one of Sindh Police's highest priorities.

He told the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) that protecting the city's commercial and industrial activity is essential to the national economy.

What did Karachi police say about crime and security?

Azad Khan described terrorism, extortion and street crime as the principal security challenges facing law enforcement in Karachi. He said police, working with intelligence and other security agencies, had strengthened preventive policing, leading to a significant decline in major crimes. He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against extortionists, land grabbers, narcotics networks and organised criminal groups.

Azad Khan made the remarks during a meeting at the KCCI. The meeting was attended by DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, Businessmen Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman Anjum Nisar, KCCI President Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Vice President Arif Lakhani, Law and Order Subcommittee Chairman Akram Rana, Police Chamber Liaison Committee (PCLC) Chief Hafeez Aziz, and senior KCCI and police officials.

Why is Karachi a security priority for police?

Azad Khan said Karachi's business districts remained the Sindh Police's top operational priority because of the city's role as Pakistan's economic engine.

"Every security measure undertaken in Karachi is not merely for this city but for the economic stability of the entire country," he said. He added that police remained committed to a secure business environment that promotes economic activity and investment.

How much has crime declined in Karachi this year?

Azad Khan shared crime statistics showing terrorism-related incidents in Sindh fell to eight so far this year, down from 37 in the same period last year, with no major terrorist attack reported. He attributed the decline to improved intelligence gathering, preventive operations and enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies.

He acknowledged that street crime remained one of Karachi's most persistent policing challenges. However, he said overall incidents had declined by around 15% during the first six months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

According to police data, robbery-murders fell by nearly 30% and injuries sustained during robberies declined by 40%. Vehicle snatching dropped by about 30%, while motorbike and vehicle thefts were down by nearly 20%. Mobile phone snatching, however, recorded a slight increase.

What action has Karachi police taken against extortion?

Azad Khan reiterated that Karachi Police maintained a zero-tolerance policy on extortion, calling it one of the force's highest operational priorities. He said police had killed nine suspected extortionists in encounters, injured around 15 and arrested 61 others during the first six months of the year.

Addressing undocumented foreign nationals, particularly Afghan citizens, Azad Khan said authorities were strictly implementing the federal government's policy. He urged businesses and residents not to provide employment or shelter to illegal immigrants.

What traffic reforms has Karachi introduced?

DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah separately said recently introduced technology-driven traffic reforms had delivered measurable improvements in road safety. He said fatalities involving heavy vehicles had fallen by 40%, and the new system had helped prevent about 60 deaths and spared nearly 217 people from serious injuries or permanent disabilities.

Pir Muhammad Shah added that Traffic Police had launched Karachi's first scientific study on traffic congestion. The study assesses travel times on major roads during peak hours, with findings expected to support long-term traffic management and infrastructure planning.