KARACHI: The continuing incidence of street crime, kidnapping, extortion, and other offences in Sindh, along with allegations of political and influential interference in policing, indicates an urgent need for comprehensive police reform in the province, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, the issue has evolved beyond whether the police force has adequate personnel or equipment; it now questions whether the institution is structured to deliver professional, impartial, technology-driven, and accountable policing. The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) released figures illustrating the scale of the problem, with more than 24,000 street-crime incidents reported in Karachi during the first five months of 2026, including numerous motorcycle and mobile-phone snatchings and thefts.
Although official figures later indicated a decline in overall street crime, the persistent high level of offences shows the problem remains unresolved. The challenge extends beyond street crime, as the police leadership has acknowledged public perception that these issues, along with kidnappings in Sindh's riverine areas, have eroded confidence in law enforcement. The weakening of traditional police stations and inadequate human and financial resources are also major challenges.
Recent incidents have exposed the danger of police becoming an instrument of influence rather than an impartial protector of citizens. A recent incident in DHA Phase VI, involving a violent confrontation captured on CCTV, led to disciplinary proceedings against three police officers, raising questions about whether existing mechanisms are robust enough to prevent police involvement in private disputes.
Shakoor emphasized that police reform must begin with insulating operational policing from political, personal, and financial influence. Transparent rules should govern transfers and postings, and officers should receive reasonable tenure to develop professional responsibility for their areas. Investigation must be strengthened through specialized training, forensic capacity, modern evidence-gathering techniques, and professional prosecution, with technology playing a central role.
The Sindh Police should enhance their use of digital systems, data analytics, CCTV networks, and integrated emergency-response systems. Artificial intelligence could aid in identifying crime patterns, analyzing information, and supporting investigations, provided its use is governed by safeguards to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
Shakoor urged that police stations become genuine centers of public service, with transparent complaint registration and independent mechanisms for investigating complaints against police personnel. Accountability must extend to all, including the police. Independence and accountability are essential for a professional police service.
The government must invest in the welfare and professional development of police personnel, addressing excessive working hours, inadequate facilities, and insufficient training, which undermine morale and public safety. Modern policing requires continuous training in various areas, including investigation, cybercrime, and protection of vulnerable citizens.
Sindh needs a long-term program with measurable targets, independent oversight, modern technology, and continuity in police leadership and government, not another reform exercise of mere announcements. Shakoor concluded that a safer Sindh requires not just more police but better policing—professional, impartial, technology-driven, accountable, and genuinely committed to serving the citizens.