Islamabad, Jan 4 (NationPress) Recent police reports indicate a decline in street crime incidents in Karachi, Pakistan, dropping from 71,105 cases in 2024 to just over 64,000 in 2025. However, this data unveils the troubling reality of how abnormality has become commonplace in the nation's largest metropolis, according to a recent report.

The statistics reveal that in 2025, there were 6,683 vehicles hijacked at gunpoint, comprising 302 cars and 6,381 motorbikes, a decrease from the 8,370 incidents recorded in the previous year. Additionally, 39,934 vehicles were reported stolen, including 1,813 cars and 38,121 motorbikes, down from 43,382 in 2024, as highlighted in the Business Recorder.

Instances of phone snatching persist in Karachi, with 19,353 mobile phones taken in 2024, underscoring the ongoing prevalence of street crime in the city.

An editorial in the Business Recorder pointed out that while the police statistics aim to showcase a positive trend, they ultimately depict a deeper indictment of life in Karachi. The data reveals that over 46,000 residents lost their vehicles, and more than 17,000 individuals had their phones stolen in 2025.

“A decline that still leaves tens of thousands victimized at gunpoint or through theft cannot be considered a success story. It highlights how low our baseline has fallen,” the editorial stated.

Experts have warned against making broad assumptions based solely on a two-year comparison, emphasizing that official records only capture documented incidents and do not account for the full scope of crime. They noted the lack of comprehensive research and a robust data ecosystem, which should involve inputs from various stakeholders, including healthcare providers.

The report argues that without comprehensive data, the state ends up crafting narratives instead of tackling crime effectively.

Another editorial pointed out that underreporting of crime is not just a statistical issue but stems from fear and institutional incentives. Many citizens refrain from filing complaints due to expectations of harassment, delays, or outright refusal at police stations. When police performance is gauged by the decrease in officially recorded crime, it creates an environment where keeping cases off the books becomes incentivized.

“The outcome is a city where the public cannot grasp the true scale of victimization, and policymakers are unable to devise effective strategies because they rely on incomplete, politically favorable numbers,” the editorial added.

As Pakistan's main port city and commercial center, Karachi cannot afford rampant street crime, which incurs economic costs not reflected in police statistics, including increased security spending by businesses, disrupted logistics, diminished retail activity after hours, and the slow exodus of investment toward safer regions.