• A troubling pattern is emerging: one person commits a crime, but others suffer the consequences. When institutions fail to apprehend an accused individual, they often act against their families instead.

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

Childhood and its memories are always strange and fascinating times when everything felt like just a game. These memories sometimes make us laugh, and at other times force us to reflect deeply. Piles of dirt, dusty streets, and the companionship of friends, these are scenes we all remember. As children, playing marbles was incredibly engaging. Yet, even in that simple game, there was a darker side: friends would argue, clash, and fall out.

When a child realized they were about to lose, or felt there was no way left to win, they would create chaos. To disrupt the game, one might spit into the small pit of marbles and run away, or simply pick up the marbles, put them in one’s pocket, and declare the game over.

A similar pattern existed in cricket. If someone didn’t get a chance to bat or refused to accept being out, they would angrily pull out the stumps and run off if they had taken revenge on the entire world. Back then, such actions seemed like innocent expressions of childish emotions, stubbornness, or naivety.

Today, when we recall those memories, they bring a smile. But at the same time, when we observe similar behavior in some institutions of our society, especially law enforcement that smile turns into deep concern. It feels as if our state system has not yet outgrown that childish stubbornness, where instead of resolving the game, the entire field is destroyed.

What was once an innocent childhood behavior has now evolved into a serious social issue. When we examine certain actions of law enforcement agencies today, an important question arises: Are we truly delivering justice within the framework of law, or are we still “spitting in the pit” and breaking the stumps to end the game?

Crime by One, Punishment for Another: A Disturbing Trend

A troubling pattern is emerging: one person commits a crime, but others suffer the consequences. When institutions fail to apprehend an accused individual, they often act against their families instead.

However, the principles of law are clear:

An accused must be arrested, investigated, tried in court, and judged based on evidence.

In contrast, what we see is collective punishment like homes demolished, shops burned, properties bulldozed, and families displaced. This is not justice; it resembles vengeance.

This behavior is no different from our childhood reactions. When we couldn’t win or compete, we would destroy the entire game. The difference is that, back then, we were children playing with other children. Today, the “players” are innocent women, children, and the elderly facing powerful institutions that hold the authority of the state.

This raises a fundamental question: If one person is guilty, how can their crime be extended to their children, parents, or relatives?

A house is not merely bricks and cement; it is a sanctuary. When a home is destroyed, it is not just a structure that collapses, but the dreams, dignity, and security of entire families. The crime may belong to one individual, but the suffering is borne by many. Can this truly be called justice?

Rule of Law or Law of the Jungle?

A civilized society is built upon law and justice. In such societies, there is a defined process to punish wrongdoing. If law enforcement agencies begin to bypass the law themselves, chaos and disorder inevitably follow.

Courts, constitutions, and legal systems exist to ensure fairness and prevent injustice. If someone is guilty, they must be arrested, investigated, presented before a court, and punished according to the law.

But when authorities ignore these steps and instead demolish homes or target families in the name of enforcement, it reflects the “law of the jungle” where power determines right and wrong.

While collective punishment may still exist in some parts of the world, it is deeply alarming in a democratic state. Such actions may instill fear, but they destroy public trust and respect for institutions. When people see that those responsible for upholding the law are violating it, they, too, may begin to justify taking the law into their own hands.

A Grave Violation of Human Rights

Whether in international human rights charters or national constitutions, every individual is guaranteed the right to life and shelter. Depriving someone of their home without due process is a violation of human dignity.

A home is not just a physical structure; it is a center of memories, emotions, and security. Innocent children who may not even understand the accusations against their family members watch their homes being destroyed before their eyes. In that moment, it is not just a building that falls, but countless dreams.

The seeds of resentment and hatred planted in such moments can grow into long-term social unrest.

Imagine a mother struggling to provide shelter for her children, suddenly losing everything. Imagine an elderly man who spent his life building his home, only to see it reduced to rubble. These are not just incidents; they are human tragedies.

Institutions must abandon this “game-breaking” mindset and act professionally. Catching criminals is their responsibility, but displacing innocent people is never justified. When homes are destroyed, instead of prayers, curses emerge, something no society can afford.

Such actions are not only morally wrong but also a blatant violation of internationally recognized human rights. Every individual has the right to housing, and taking it away without legal justification is a grave injustice.

Social Consequences and Growing Distrust

The impact of such actions extends far beyond affected families. Fear, uncertainty, and mistrust spread throughout society. People begin to fear the law rather than trust it.

Young people may start believing that justice exists only for the powerful, while the weak are destined to suffer. This perception fuels anger, frustration, and rebellion, undermining the stability of any nation.

Way Forward

Instead of emotional reactions, we must seek rational and lawful solutions, for example, ensure the rule of law in all actions, avoid punishing anyone without evidence, train law enforcement in human rights principles, hold officials accountable for overreach, strengthen the judicial system for timely and transparent justice, and promote public awareness about rights and responsibilities

This Is Not a Game

In essence, in childhood, breaking a game was a momentary act of stubbornness with little consequence. But such behavior, when replicated in real life, especially by state institutions, becomes a serious tragedy with far-reaching consequences.

Society is not a game where losing justifies destroying everything. Every decision affects human lives.

If we truly aspire to build a civilized and progressive society, we must move away from the “law of the jungle” and embrace the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the true spirit of justice.

Justice must be precise, should weigh only the guilty, not throw entire families and communities into the pit of punishment.

Politicians, intellectuals, and civil society must raise their voices against such practices. We owe our children a future where they feel safe in their homes, not one where they fear sudden destruction.

A system built on fear can never be sustainable. Justice is the only force that binds society together.

If we remain silent today, this same injustice may knock on our doors tomorrow. And then we, too, will become part of a game that everyone is trying to destroy.

Read: Silent Grammar of Human Interaction

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post One Sins, Another Pays Price first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Hasaan Zafar

In recent years, as society moves towards development and embraces new opportunities, the number of rape cases in Pakistan has been increasing. One question that everyone wants to ask the perpetrators is: Is lust more precious than someone’s daughter? Unfortunately, instead of taking serious action, both the people and the government seem busy “biting the cherry” and waiting for big things to happen, while crimes continue.

Why is Pakistan moving towards such incidents at a time when other countries are focusing on infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic growth, and health issues? One major reason is the lack of awareness among youth, combined with a law that is often toothless. These criminal activities not only harm the victims but also push families into trouble, depression, and mental distress. Society must ask itself why we should focus on guarding someone’s daughter when we should be working to improve the country and ensure a safer future for all.

Recently, a case caught everyone’s attention: a 25-year-old special child was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Larkana, Sindh, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. Statistics show that around 20,000–21,000 rape cases were reported in the last five to six years, aligning with earlier reports of over 22,000 cases in six years. These numbers are alarming and reflect a serious societal problem.

Read: How Pakistan’s Anti-Rape Crisis Cells are transforming support for survivors

It is important to remember that rape is never the victim’s fault. It results from a complex mix of societal, cultural, legal, economic, and individual factors. To address this growing problem, Pakistan must enforce its laws strictly and ensure swift convictions for perpetrators, while promoting awareness campaigns to educate youth about consent, respect, and gender equality.

Better support systems must be established to help victims recover and seek justice, and the community as a whole must take responsibility in protecting women and children while fostering education and empowerment. Only by combining legal, social, and educational measures can Pakistan create a safer environment, where development and progress do not come at the cost of human dignity and security. It is time for society and the government alike to act decisively, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike.

PGC Rape Case: How this nation forgets such tragic incidents so easily?

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Hasaan Zafar is based in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

hasaanzafarmuhammad@gmail.com 

The post Rising Rape Cases in Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Prof. Dr. Abdullah Arijo

Once celebrated for its culture of tolerance, music, and mysticism, Sindh today stands at a troubling crossroads. The province, known as the cradle of Sufism and home to centuries-old traditions of coexistence, is now overshadowed by fear, lawlessness, and despair. From the streets of Karachi to the riverine belt of upper Sindh, the daily news has become a grim catalogue of dacoities, street crimes, and abductions.

The scale of criminal activity has expanded so rapidly that the public no longer feels safe even in daylight. Street robberies, home invasions, and highway hold-ups have become so routine that they barely make headlines anymore. Meanwhile, the state machinery, already stretched and compromised, seems unable, or unwilling, to respond effectively.

A Province Gripped by Fear

Sindh’s crime wave is not confined to a few localities. Urban centers like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur have seen an alarming rise in street crimes, while the rural regions, particularly the kacha (Riverine) areas along the Indus River, are once again becoming safe havens for armed gangs. Ordinary citizens live under a cloud of anxiety, forced to calculate every step outside their homes.

The social cost of this pervasive fear is immense. Businesses shut down early, public spaces grow empty after sunset, and residents have learned to keep their heads low and their hopes lower. For many, survival has become an everyday negotiation with uncertainty.

Root Causes: Economic Despair and Institutional Collapse

The current state of lawlessness is not a sudden development; it is the cumulative result of years of neglect, poor governance, and misplaced priorities. At its heart lies the province’s deepening economic crisis. Rampant unemployment, rising inflation, and a lack of opportunities have pushed a growing number of young people to the brink of desperation. When legitimate avenues for earning collapse, illegitimate ones inevitably flourish.

Equally damaging is the collapse of policing and justice systems. The police force, long marred by corruption and political interference, has lost its ability to act as an impartial guardian of public safety. Transfers and postings often depend on political connections rather than merit, turning law enforcement into a tool of influence rather than justice.

For many citizens, filing a First Information Report (FIR) itself is an ordeal. Victims are frequently dissuaded or threatened, while perpetrators, often backed by political patrons, roam free. Such experiences erode public faith in institutions and breed a culture of impunity.

The Return of the Dacoit Culture

Rural Sindh, particularly the riverine kacha regions, has witnessed the resurgence of a phenomenon many thought consigned to history:

The dacoit culture. Bandits, often heavily armed and well-connected, control pockets of territory where state authority is almost symbolic. Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative industry, with reports suggesting that in some cases, local officials turn a blind eye or worse, collaborate.

Periodic “operations” are launched with fanfare, but they rarely yield meaningful results. Once the cameras are gone, the problem resurfaces. For residents, the message is clear: they are on their own. This absence of effective governance not only undermines security but also deepens the divide between the state and its citizens.

Urban Nightmare: Karachi and Beyond

In urban Sindh, particularly Karachi, the situation is equally dire. The city that once powered Pakistan’s economy has become a theatre of daily robberies and assaults. Street crimes are rampant, with mobiles, wallets, and motorbikes snatched at gunpoint, and are now part of the city’s daily routine.

For every reported case, several others go unrecorded, either out of fear or futility. Many victims believe reporting a crime is a waste of time; others fear harassment by the very authorities meant to protect them. The psychological toll is evident: Karachiites have grown numb to violence, adapting to survival as if it were a civic duty.

The State’s Shrinking Authority

The alarming rise in crime across Sindh signals more than just a policing failure—it reflects a crisis of governance and moral authority. The state appears increasingly absent from the everyday life of its citizens. Where laws exist, enforcement is selective; where justice is promised, it is delayed or denied.

This vacuum has allowed non-state actors, tribal networks, political militias, and criminal syndicates to fill the void. The thin line between politics and crime has blurred, creating a hybrid order in which power is negotiated through fear and patronage rather than law and accountability.

Worse still, public silence has become complicity. Citizens, frustrated and fearful, have retreated into private survival, choosing endurance over resistance. Yet such silence only emboldens the powerful and normalizes the breakdown of order.

What Can Be Done?

Sindh’s slide into lawlessness is reversible, but only through serious structural reforms and political will. Cosmetic measures, press conferences, and temporary crackdowns are no substitute for sustained change.

1. Depoliticize the police. Merit-based appointments, professional autonomy, and strict accountability must replace political interference.
2. Empower local governance. Municipal and district-level mechanisms should be strengthened to address security and development issues simultaneously.
3. Invest in youth and employment. Without economic inclusion, no amount of policing can stem the tide of desperation-driven crime.
4. Ensure swift and transparent justice. Courts must prioritize cases involving violent crime, and punishments must be timely and visible to restore deterrence.
5. Rebuild public trust. The government must engage civil society, community leaders, and media to promote awareness, responsibility, and vigilance at the grassroots level.

A Province at the Crossroads

Sindh’s story today is one of tragic irony: a land that once preached peace is now pleading for safety. The cries of victims, the frustration of honest officers, and the helplessness of citizens all point to a single truth: the social contract is breaking.

If the state continues to treat law and order as a seasonal issue rather than a foundational one, Sindh’s descent into chaos will only deepen. The province cannot afford to let crime dictate its destiny.

History reminds us that no civilization thrives in fear. Sindh, the land of saints and poets, deserves better than this suffocating uncertainty. It deserves leadership that restores not just law, but also hope, the belief that justice, order, and dignity are still possible.

Until that happens, the people of Sindh will continue to live as prisoners of fear, waiting for the dawn of a safer tomorrow that seems, for now, painfully distant.

Read: The Afghan Refugees in Sindh

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Abdullah Arijo is a professor and curriculum architect at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, specializing in Parasitology, fisheries, aquaculture, zoology, and environmental sciences. He is also a civic advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development.

The post Fear, Crime, Silence: Sindh’s Hidden Order first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sawera Nadeem

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and its economic backbone, has increasingly been trapped in the vicious cycle of rising crime, leaving its citizens in fear and despair. For decades, the metropolis has suffered from lawlessness, but in recent years, the surge in street crimes, robberies, and violent encounters has reached alarming levels. Every other day, reports emerge of ordinary citizens being deprived of their hard-earned belongings, vehicles, mobile phones, and even their lives, yet the system seems to turn a blind eye. What was once considered isolated incidents of theft has now transformed into a full-blown epidemic of unchecked crime, where Karachiites feel abandoned by the very state institutions that were meant to safeguard them. The people of this city have learned to live in caution, avoiding certain areas after dusk, keeping minimal valuables on them, and instructing children not to resist if confronted by armed men. This is not the life they deserve, but unfortunately, this has become the norm.

The most horrifying aspect of this crisis is the casualness with which robbers now operate. Armed criminals roam around neighborhoods, business hubs, and residential areas without fear of being caught or punished. They know that the chance of being arrested is slim and the probability of being convicted even slimmer. From students walking home after tuition classes to families returning from social gatherings, no one is spared. What makes matters worse is that these criminals often kill victims for resisting even slightly or sometimes for no apparent reason at all. The rising death toll caused by street crime in Karachi speaks volumes about how deadly this menace has become. Mobile snatching, once seen as petty crime, has become a matter of life and death. People are not only losing their valuables but also their lives. Mothers are grieving their sons, children are losing fathers, and families are being shattered, yet the authorities continue with mere lip service and hollow promises.

It is not that the citizens have remained silent. From local community protests to social media campaigns, Karachiites have consistently raised their voices about the deteriorating law and order. The grievances are the same: robberies at traffic signals, break-ins in broad daylight, kidnappings for ransom, car lifting, and organized gangs operating without interruption. Each cry for help is met with temporary measures, token arrests, or half-hearted crackdowns that fizzle out within days. Police operations are announced, statistics are shared, and officials give interviews claiming improvements, but the lived reality of people contradicts those claims. Ordinary men and women navigating the streets know that at any corner, a motorbike carrying two armed men could stop them and strip them of everything within minutes.

The lack of accountability in law enforcement agencies only fuels the criminals’ confidence. Many residents complain that reporting crimes is a waste of time because First Information Reports (FIRs) are often not registered properly, investigations are half-baked, and victims are forced to make multiple rounds of police stations for no progress. Corruption within the system further emboldens criminals, who know they can buy their way out if caught. In some cases, suspicions arise that elements within law enforcement themselves collaborate with these gangs or at the very least turn a blind eye. When those tasked with providing safety become indifferent or complicit, how can a city hope for relief?

This lawlessness has a direct impact on the psychological well-being of Karachiites. Fear has become a constant companion. Parents worry about their children attending schools, young professionals dread commuting late, and women especially feel unsafe in public spaces. Businesses too suffer as customers avoid staying out late, shopkeepers close earlier than usual, and investors shy away from a city that cannot even guarantee basic safety. The economic cost of crime is immense, reducing productivity and damaging Karachi’s reputation as a commercial hub. The very lifeline of Pakistan’s economy is choking under crime, yet policymakers in power fail to acknowledge the urgency of the situation.

Comparisons are often drawn with other major cities in the world where crime is met with strong, systematic responses. In Karachi, however, crime is often brushed aside as an unfortunate but normal part of life. This normalization is the most dangerous part because once society accepts lawlessness as inevitable, criminals gain more power. Citizens are told to be cautious, to avoid resisting, to stay alert, but rarely are criminals told to fear the law. In other nations, justice systems are designed to deter criminals; in Karachi, the failure of justice encourages them.

The role of the provincial and federal governments in this matter cannot be ignored. They have frequently claimed improvements in law and order, pointing to high-profile operations in the past that reduced certain forms of crime like extortion or gang wars. But the shift of crime patterns towards street-level robberies shows that criminal networks have only adapted, not disappeared. A vacuum exists in governance, where political priorities revolve around power struggles, development projects for optics, or hollow slogans, while the fundamental issue of citizen safety is neglected. The people of Karachi are left to fend for themselves. Even when murders occur during robberies, officials quickly move on, as if the blood spilled on the streets is of no consequence.

It is heartbreaking to see that instead of creating policies rooted in justice, transparency, and efficiency, the government tends to make promises during every wave of crime and then step back into silence once the media focus shifts elsewhere. There have been countless announcements of increasing patrolling, installing CCTV cameras, creating emergency helplines, and forming special crime units, but very little changes on the ground. The criminals evolve faster than the authorities, and the citizens remain trapped in the middle. Each robbery that goes unpunished encourages another, creating a vicious cycle.

The question arises: why does Karachi, a city of over 20 million people, continue to suffer without real solutions? The answer lies in the combination of political neglect, weak policing, absence of judicial reform, and lack of social development. Poverty and unemployment drive many young men into crime, and without rehabilitation or economic opportunities, this cycle repeats generation after generation. While this does not excuse criminal behavior, it does show how systemic failures feed into the city’s misery. A holistic approach is needed—one that not only strengthens policing but also addresses the root causes of why crime thrives. Yet, such comprehensive efforts remain absent, replaced instead by quick fixes and short-term measures.

Meanwhile, the toll continues to rise. Families grieve loved ones lost to senseless violence, survivors live with trauma, and Karachi’s identity as a resilient city is pushed to its breaking point. The resilience of its people is admirable, but resilience should not mean enduring endless brutality. Citizens deserve dignity, safety, and peace of mind. A government that cannot protect its people has failed in its most basic responsibility. It is a bitter reality that Karachiites have been forced to internalize—that they must survive despite the system, not because of it.

The ongoing crisis is not just about rising robbery rates; it reflects a collapse of governance. When criminals hold more power than citizens, when fear dictates daily life, and when people have no trust in institutions meant to serve them, then the very foundation of society begins to erode. Karachi’s rising crime is not only a threat to individuals but to the social fabric of the city itself. If left unchecked, the consequences will extend beyond personal losses, undermining the very stability of the country’s economic hub.

It is time for those in power to recognize the severity of this crisis. Citizens should not have to mourn loved ones lost to robberies or live in constant paranoia. Concrete action is required, and it must go beyond rhetoric. There must be accountability in policing, investment in surveillance and intelligence, speedy trials for criminals, and a political will to prioritize safety over everything else. Until that happens, Karachi will continue to bleed, and its people will continue to suffer silently in the shadows of a state that abandoned them.

The city cries out every day for justice, but silence answers back. The question is how much longer Karachiites can endure this brutality before their patience runs out. A city that gives so much to Pakistan deserves to be protected. To ignore this reality is to accept a future where crime becomes permanent and hope becomes extinct.

Read: Rainfall Unmasks Deep Corruption Currents

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Sawera Nadeem, based in Karachi, is a Mass Communication student with a passion for research-based writing.  She focuses on topics that highlight public interest and social impact.

The post The Rising Crime Epidemic in Karachi first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Life here is not lived — it is merely survived. Men are kidnapped. Families are extorted
• Sindh has become an open-air prison, where criminal networks rule, and fear is the only constant currency.

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

A Land Left Behind

In the northern belt of Sindh — particularly Kashmore-Kandhkot, Ghotki, and adjoining regions — the word “peace” has become a memory, and “justice” an unreachable dream. Life here is not lived — it is merely survived. Men are kidnapped. Families are extorted. The poor are lured into death traps disguised as deals. And no one—not the government, not the law, not the state—is truly present to help.

In a country that proudly claims to be a democracy, this part of Sindh has become an open-air prison, where criminal networks rule, and fear is the only constant currency. There are whispers in the wind: “Kashmore-Kandhkot is not part of Pakistan anymore, it’s a jungle — survive if you can.”

Where are the forces? Where is the action? If the state could confront heavily armed militants in distant tribal mountains, why can’t it challenge criminals in the plains and riverbanks of Sindh?

The people are watching. They are hurting. They are losing hope. And still, they wait — with prayers in their hearts — for someone in power to finally care.

The Machinery of Fear: How Crime Rules North Sindh

Crime in North Sindh is no longer random — it is systematic, well-networked, and disturbingly normalized.

The tactics are horrifying:

• Fake phone calls are made using a woman’s voice to lure men into trap zones.
• Social media groups offering unrealistically cheap motorcycles, mobile phones, or electronics.
• Messages promising job opportunities or romantic meetings.
• Victims are told to come to a certain place, and then, they vanish.

What follows is trauma. Ransom calls. Threats. And in many cases, death.

Some are beaten. Some are tortured. Many are killed when families fail to pay. The criminals are not hiding — they operate confidently, as if they know no one will stop them.

But it doesn’t end there. These criminals have now taken their cruelty online. They shamelessly post videos of victims in their custody — including children and women — on social media platforms. These videos are meant to terrorize families, provoke payments, and humiliate the victims publicly. And still, these accounts stay active, and these crimes remain unpunished.

This isn’t just a crime. It’s psychological warfare against the poorest people of a forgotten region.

A Government That Watches, But Doesn’t Act

The people of Sindh vote. They pay taxes. They raise the national flag every August. And yet, when their children are taken, or their husbands don’t return from work, they are told, “We can’t go into that area — it’s dangerous.”

Dangerous for whom?

Isn’t it the duty of the state to bring safety? What is a government for, if not to protect its people from such evil?

There are police stations in name, but not in spirit. There are officials in offices, but not in the field. There are statements on paper, but not a single genuine operation on the ground.

And all this while criminals roam with guns, exploit technology, and mock the helpless.

The state must answer: Are we still a nation, or just an uneven map of suffering and indifference?

Traps and Tricks: How Innocents Are Caught

The cleverness of these criminal gangs is rooted in society’s desperation.

People in Sindh, like elsewhere in Pakistan, dream of small comforts — a better phone, a cheap motorcycle, a used car to support a family. When these things are advertised at lower-than-market prices, people fall for them. They respond. They call. They try to arrange a meeting.

But instead of trade, they find terror.

Some are trapped through love-bait. Others are trapped through false employment promises. And once they cross into the crime-ridden zones of Kashmore-Kandhkot or Ghotki, they are swallowed into silence.

It is not stupidity — it is poverty, trust, and hope that these criminals exploit.

And all the while, the people wonder: Where is the state? Why aren’t the forces acting?

If Forces Can Handle Fanatics, Why Not These Criminals?

In recent years, this country’s forces have shown bravery and capacity in dealing with extremist networks in harsh, mountainous tribal regions. Complex operations have been conducted. High-value targets were neutralized. Entire militant hubs were dismantled.

Then why, with all this capability, can’t the same be done in North Sindh?

These criminals are not invisible. They are not hidden in caves. They live in katcha lands, by the river, among forests and fields. They are known. People speak their names. Their hideouts are whispered about in tea shops.

If a state can mobilize for security in Swat or Waziristan, what excuse is there to ignore Kashmore – Kandhkot or Ghotki?

Is it because these people are poor? Is it because their votes are taken for granted? Or is there a darker agenda — a desire to let the people suffer until they migrate?

The Cost of Fear: A Dying Region

This isn’t just about individual cases of kidnapping. The social fabric of North Sindh is being torn apart.

• Schools are emptying out. Parents are too scared to let children travel.
• Markets are shrinking. Trade is dying because no outsider wants to risk entry.
• Migration is accelerating. Entire families are fleeing to other districts, not for better jobs, but for safety.

What’s left behind is trauma, abandoned fields, and echoes of prayers unanswered.

The psychological impact is immense. People don’t trust strangers. They hesitate before answering phone calls. Communities live in paranoia. Fear has become a culture, and that is the greatest defeat of any state.

Basic Questions, No Answers

Let’s ask the questions any responsible state should be asking itself:

• Why are there still no dedicated special operations to clear out crime zones?
• Why are complaints ignored or laughed off by local authorities?
• Why haven’t emergency protection measures been implemented for transport, mobile networks, or trade routes?
• Why is there no real-time tracking of ransom phone numbers?
• Why are criminals allowed to post horrifying videos online and still go untouched?
• Why is the media so quiet about this? Is it because these stories don’t trend or sell?

And most critically:

Why is peace not being treated as a human right for the people of North Sindh?

Silence is Complicity

There’s a silence — an intentional silence — among those who have power.

Those in Karachi’s air-conditioned offices. Those in Islamabad’s policy rooms. Those in control of law, politics, and budgets.

They speak when a city suffers. They cry when a viral video makes it to Twitter. But they turn their heads when North Sindh bleeds.

Silence in the face of suffering is not neutrality — it is betrayal.

The people in Ghotki and Kandhkot- Kashmore are not just numbers on a map. They are citizens. Humans. Families. Children. They laugh like us, they cry like us. Their blood is red like ours.

They are not “too far” to matter. They are not “too rural” to count.

What the People Ask: Peace, Not Pity

The residents of North Sindh are not begging for charity. They are not asking for luxuries. They want what every citizen deserves — peace and justice.

If the forces take this seriously and act to clear these criminal networks, the people will bless them with every prayer they have left.

The child whose father returns home alive.

The mother who no longer jumps at every phone call.

The student who walks to school without fear.

These are the silent dreams waiting to be fulfilled.

Whoever brings peace to this region will not only restore order, they will restore faith in the idea of the country.

Time to Wake Up: The Shame of Inaction

Let this be a national reminder: Any state that cannot protect its most vulnerable is already defeated.

It doesn’t matter how many flags we wave or songs we sing. If entire regions are surrendered to crime, then the anthem becomes hollow.

Sindh has given this country its thinkers, poets, farmers, and soldiers. It has given its votes, its resources, and its loyalty.

Is this the return it deserves?

A Moral and Strategic Call: 10 Actions Now

1. Immediate clearance operations by dedicated law enforcement units in known crime zones.
2. Satellite surveillance and mapping of katcha areas.
3. Complete shutdown of mobile networks used for ransom calls within specific geo-fences.
4. Installation of security checkpoints and ID verification on roads leading to crime hotspots.
5. Public awareness campaigns on fake ads and calls.
6. Creation of a North Sindh Peace and Protection Authority for emergency coordination.
7. Whistleblower protections for citizens who expose criminals.
8. Zero tolerance policy for any local official who cooperates with or protects criminals.
9. Psychological trauma centers for victims and families.
10. Monthly public progress reports on arrests, rescues, and reforms.

A Final Plea for Action

North Sindh doesn’t need your sympathy. It needs your action. It doesn’t need statements — it needs justice. It doesn’t want charity — it wants peace.

Let the forces rise as they have before — not for media optics, not for temporary applause — but for the people whose lives are waiting to begin again.

And when they do — when peace returns, when justice breathes again in Kandhkot, Kashmore, and Ghotki — the people will not forget. Their gratitude will echo louder than any applause.

To those in charge: this is your moment. Either lead with courage or admit your failure. But know this —

The land may forget your name, but the people will remember your silence.

Read: Feudalism Must Fall

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Crime: The Cry of North Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• A group of robbers looted Manisha Jewelers in Sunnyvale, less than two weeks after robbery at Kumar Jewelers in Fremont.
• Since May 2024, eight Indian jewelry stores in the Bay Area have been targeted in smash-and-grab style robberies

By Tanay Gokhale

On Sunday, June 29, a group of robbers armed with hammers looted Manisha Jewelers in Sunnyvale. This is the second robbery at an Indian jewelry store in the Bay Area this month after a similar robbery took place at Kumar Jewelers in Fremont on June 18.

According to a press release issued by the Sunnyvale Police Department, officers responded to a robbery in progress at the store location on El Camino Real. A group of suspects rammed a stolen car into the front of the building to gain entry into the store. They smashed display cases with hammers, stole the jewelry and escaped in multiple stolen cars. Police officers gave chase to the suspects’ cars but to no avail. One person inside the store sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The case remains an open investigation.

On June 20, a similar attempt was made to rob yet another Indian jewelry store BJ Jewelers in Dublin. However, in that instance, the robbers left empty-handed because the owner of the store had emptied the display cases after hearing about the robbery at Kumar Jewelers two days prior.

Since May 2024, eight Indian jewelry stores in the Bay Area have been targeted in smash-and-grab style robberies. They are Nitin Jewelers in Sunnyvale; Bhindi Jewelers in Newark; Bombay Jewelry Company in Berkeley; PNG Jewelers in Sunnyvale; Kumar Jewelers in Fremont; BJ Jewelers in Dublin; and now, Manisha Jewelers in Sunnyvale. Of these, police have taken suspects into custody in two cases, PNG and Kumar Jewelers.

Read: Observations of an Expat: And So It Begins

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Courtesy: India Currents

The post Indian Jewelry Store Looted in USA first appeared on Sindh Courier.

The province of Sindh, once renowned for its rich culture and vibrant communities, is now marred by a relentless surge in crime and chaos. Day by day, the law and order situation deteriorates, casting a dark shadow over the lives of innocent citizens. Robberies, street crimes, and murders have become a tragic norm, leaving families grief-stricken and communities insecure. The failure of law enforcement agencies to restore peace raises serious questions about governance, accountability, and the protection of human rights.

Rising Crime and Police Failures

In recent times, the criminal landscape in Sindh has spiraled out of control. The police, entrusted with safeguarding the public, appear to be overwhelmed or perhaps indifferent, as they fail to curb the escalating wave of crime. Daily reports of thefts, murders, and violence paint a bleak picture of lawlessness. Citizens live in constant fear, their basic rights to security and justice denied.

The Heinous Case of Irfan

A particularly heartbreaking incident involves Irfan, whose murder was met with gross injustice. The police, instead of protecting the victims and their families, blatantly violated legal procedures by detaining Irfan’s body and withholding it from his legal heirs for proper funeral rites. Only after a judicial order from the District & Sessions Judge of Naushehroferoz was the body handed over. Such brutality and disrespect towards human dignity are intolerable and reflect a deeply flawed system that fails to uphold constitutional rights and human dignity.

The Tragic Loss of Sonal Channo

Even more distressing is the case of Sonal Channo, who fell victim to dacoits in Dokri while resisting robbery. Shockingly, the police did not lodge an FIR or make any effort to apprehend or investigate the culprits, letting murderers walk free. This neglect not only endangers lives but demonstrates a blatant disregard for justice and public safety.

Assault on Judicial Authority

The situation worsened further with an attack on the District & Sessions Judge of Larkana. The judge, a symbol of justice, was assaulted near Tando Mastoi, within the jurisdiction of Khairpur police. In this brutal attack, police official Maqbool Shaikh was martyred, and two others injured. Such an assault on judicial authority threatens the very foundation of rule of law and independence of the judiciary in Sindh. The case has been registered against unknown culprits, and arrests are pending, but the incident demands swift and decisive action to uphold justice and ensure safety for all.

The Call for Immediate and Effective Action

These incidents are not isolated but indicative of a broader, systemic failure. The Inspector General of Police must act decisively, directing concerned SSPs to restore law and order. The people of Sindh want peace—peace that is their undeniable right. They deserve security, justice, and dignity, not fear and lawlessness.

A Plea for Peace and Reform

Sindh’s residents have suffered enough. The government must prioritize establishing an effective, transparent, and accountable law enforcement mechanism. Strengthening police institutions, ensuring justice for victims, protecting judicial officials, and implementing community-based crime prevention programs are essential steps forward.

The voice of Sindh’s people is clear: They seek only peace, justice, and safety. It is the duty of the state to fulfill these basic rights and restore trust in the system. Only through unwavering commitment, strong leadership, and genuine reforms can Sindh hope to overcome its current crisis and reclaim its peace and dignity.

Irshad Ahmed Memon

Larkana, Sindh 

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Read: Unveiling the Nexus: Power, Crime, and Societal Transformation in Sindh

The post A Cry for Justice and Reform first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Our world, our newspapers are full of news items relating to crime, killings, abductions, arson, accidents, heists and scams

Dr. Jernail Singh Anand

What keeps us holding on while watching a movie is not the even flow of events, but we always look for how and when things take a twist, a villain is introduced, and the film ends with a brutal fight in which the villain is killed and his empire decimated embodying the great ethical message that good always triumphs over evil. I have never seen a movie in which the protagonist is killed at the end, and evil is shown prospering. However, the movies of contemporary times sometimes come up with blended stories which present victims who turn villains and take on society or their tormentors. I am reminded of ‘Deewar’ in which a victimized child turns out to be a great mafia don. He was getting back on the society which had caused the death of his father, and brought the family to ruin.

When we look back at literature, and, in particular, drama, we wonder how comedy stands nowhere in comparison to the impact, the tragedy leaves on the mind of man. If we talk of lasting impact, it comes only from tragedy. Tragedy is nothing but violence which is given an aesthetic turn so that finally it evokes a wholesome response from the audience. ‘Oedipus’ ‘Macbeth’ ‘Julius Caesar’ ‘Hamlet’ are immortal works which have left a lasting impact on the mind of man, finally making them emerge as better human beings.

If we are shown a film in which people are living a happy life, after some time, we shall start feeling, why we are wasting time. What is there in it. So, that ‘what’ which we are looking for in a film is some villain, something going wrong, so that it leads to some ‘thrills’ and thrills are not possible until things take a twist, and go wrong. If we look back at Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’, nobody will read it if Satan is dropped. Evil and violence are essential to make peace and poise, meaningful and worth craving for. When evil dies, we heave a sigh of unmixed relief. It is another thing this feeling of relief is different if we are watching a tragedy by Sophocles or Shakespeare. The students of literature know a tragedy effects catharsis by purging the feelings of pity and fear, thus restoring the mental balance of the audience.

Violence that we watch before our eyes on the road is different from the violence we watch in a film or even drama. Distance lends charm, even to a vile thing like a violent death. Actual violence evokes anger, and a feeling of revenge, while the reported violence makes us sit and reflect, and the servicing of our mind gets into operation.

Learning what is good may be a difficult lesson. But the instinct for the evil is quite intrinsic to mankind. Our nervous system reports faster to malignant impulses. Still, truth and untruth, and good and evil remain intertwined and in order to understand good, we have to have an instant understanding of what is evil and where good ends and evil begins. In this way, the study of evil is more important than the study of good, because when we study evil, we shall automatically understand, what is not evil, and all that is not evil is good.

Sometimes I wonder how we dislike the easy flow of life. What we call ‘illat’ in Punjabi is ‘mischief’ in English. Mischief is the sapling from which the tree of crime takes shape. Mischief in its infancy dons an aura of pleasantness, which we tend to enjoy. But it starts giving us headache when mischief takes the shape of mistakes, and when mistakes become a habit, they become the cause of cardiac arrest for the society: that is crime. A mistake can be corrected, and atoned for, but for a crime, one has suffer. The only reason why the perpetrator of a crime has to suffer is that he makes others suffer, and unless he himself suffers, the account cannot be squared.

How evil is interspersed in our being, we can judge it easily if we filter the ideas that enter and fleet from our mind for an hour. We shall soon come to realize how evil comes so naturally to man, while for doing good, we have to force ourselves into strict discipline, and even train our mind to think right thoughts. It is shocking and surprising too, that we need no training in doing evil, while we need gurus, scriptures, oracles, and pilgrimages to understand the idea of good.

The real surprise is we have a huge array of religions, and prophets, and their teachings, their sacrifices, and their shrines which dot the earth in millions. India has a great spiritual legacy [which country hasn’t have her own?] like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Bhagwad Gita is the greatest spiritual text for right living. So, is the Guru Granth Sahib which represents the Sikh Faith! If we go further into it, we shall see how people like Yogis, Nagas, Boddhis and Lamas are required to undergo rigorous training of body and mind, to keep their minds in trim. They wear a particular dress, and lead rigorous lives, and they are told that they must keep muttering the name of God all the time.

I cannot imagine how great the lure of evil and violence in our lives is!  They always keep us on tenterhooks, always trying to destabilize us and cause our fall.  The paradox is startling. For evil, you need no training. You can do it very naturally. Rather, if you indulge in evil, you feel so natural and normal. But, if you are told to do good, you need the backing of religious rigour, and when you do it, it is not done, it is performed, like a duty. To be good is a duty. And, you know, a duty is a task assigned to us much against our will. How happily we perform our duties?

I don’t question why Eve fell to Satan’s insinuations. Even Adam could have fallen, had Satan tried his art at him. But, I think Satan knew our modern dictum which has been the subject of declamation contests. If you teach a man, you teach only one person. But if you teach a woman, you teach a whole family. Satan might have been thinking of devastating the entire tribe by poisoning Eve’s ears. The original tribe was endowed with Original Intelligence, in the form of Innocence [which does not, however, mean Ignorance]. Satan attacked it very cautiously. He proposed that they should get knowledge and know more and more about themselves and their existential conditions.  It was tempting for them. Evil’s greatest quality is that it tempts. Men fall because of greed. That is why, Lustus, the neo-mythical heir of Satan is shown as blessed by Greda, the goddess of Greed [neo-mythology]. In fact, when man is greedy, he can be tempted which means he has said good bye to reason and sense. It is a perverted form of trance, in which reason is put in abeyance, and man does not know when he has glided into the glittering world of crime and violence.  Just as Truth has a physical dimension in Ethics, Evil has a physical manifestation in Violence. How we love it? Our world, our newspapers are full of news items relating to crime, killings, abductions, arson, accidents, heists and scams. They never upset us. That is the neo-normal. Rather what upsets us is the absence of a villain and violence from a piece of life, as much as in a film.

Read: Survival of the Fittest & the Most Endangered Species

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Dr. Jernail Singh Anand, based in Chandigarh, is an Indian poet and scholar credited with 170 plus books of English literature, philosophy and spirituality. He won great Serbian Award Charter of Morava and his name adorns the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. He was honored with Seneca Award LAUDIS CHARTA by Academy of Arts & Philosophical Sciences, Bari, Italy 2024. He is Founder President of the International Academy of Ethics and conferred Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by University of Engineering & Management, (UEM) Jaipur. Email anandjs55@yahoo.com 

The post Evil, Crime and Violence first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Alishba Sana

The bustling metropolis of Karachi is home to many challenges, including pollution, water scarcity, electricity and gas load shedding, rising crime rates, poor infrastructure, and, most critically, road dangers. On a daily basis, Karachiites face immense struggles while commuting, as the city’s roads have become increasingly perilous. This article explores the rising and unaddressed road dangers in Karachi and discusses potential solutions to these issues.

Lawlessness on the Road

One of the most significant challenges in Karachi is the lawlessness on the roads. Traffic regulations are often ignored, and two-way traffic on one-way roads has become a common sight, leading to congestion, chaos, and long traffic jams. People routinely disregard traffic rules, contributing to the disorder. Additionally, there are no proper safety measures to allow pedestrians to cross the roads safely. The proliferation of food stalls along roadsides further exacerbates the problem by blocking traffic and narrowing the already limited space.

The Growing Privatization of Cars

The rising number of private cars on Karachi’s roads is another major contributor to traffic congestion. It’s common to see thirty cars on the road, each with just one occupant. If those same individuals were using public transportation, more than thirty people could be accommodated in a single vehicle, freeing up space and reducing traffic. However, public transport in Karachi is in poor condition, with overcrowded buses and limited routes. The lack of reliable public transportation only encourages more people to opt for private cars, worsening the congestion and creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

Poor Infrastructure and Maintenance

Karachi’s roads are in a state of disrepair, which significantly impacts daily commuting. Potholes, unevenly constructed roads, and poor maintenance are common issues that make driving hazardous. Garbage piles along the roadsides and a lack of cleanliness contribute to both the physical danger and the visual blight of the city. These infrastructural issues are often left unaddressed, making the task of navigating Karachi’s streets even more challenging for commuters.

Road Tragedies and Heavy Vehicles

Another pressing danger on Karachi’s roads is the rising number of road tragedies, particularly those involving heavy vehicles. Despite the ban on heavy vehicles during the daytime, there have been incidents where such vehicles are seen on the roads, leading to fatal accidents. For example, a tragic incident occurred when a man and his pregnant wife were killed by a dumper truck. How can such large, dangerous vehicles be allowed on roads crowded with commuters? This is a serious concern that needs immediate attention. In addition, many heavy vehicle drivers are unfit to drive, as they often operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Reckless Driving: A Growing Threat

Reckless driving has become a normalized and dangerous practice in Karachi. Speeding, overtaking, and drifting are now common behaviors that drivers engage in for thrills, often without regard for the safety of others. This behavior is frequently showcased online, making it seem like an acceptable practice. However, reckless driving not only damages the roads but also leads to fatal accidents when vehicles collide with each other or pedestrians.

The Growing Problem of Street Crime

Alongside road dangers, Karachi is grappling with an alarming increase in street crime. People are often looted of their vehicles and belongings during broad daylight, and in some cases, lives are lost. Videos circulating on social media provide evidence of this escalating issue, which affects every sixth person in Karachi. The threat of being a victim of street crime further exacerbates the already stressful and dangerous situation on the roads.

Solutions to Road Dangers: A Collective Effort

Addressing Karachi’s road dangers is not an easy task; it requires a collective effort and a multifaceted approach. Here are some potential solutions:

Strengthening Traffic Regulations

To tackle lawlessness, stricter traffic rules and regulations must be introduced. Those who break the rules should face heavy fines or other penalties. Separate designated spaces should be provided for food stalls, keeping them away from the roads to reduce congestion. Additionally, designated pedestrian crossing times should be implemented, ensuring that people can cross the streets without the fear of being hit by a vehicle.

Enhancing Public Transport

The government should address the issue of the increasing privatization of cars by investing in and maintaining public transportation systems. This would reduce the reliance on private cars and ease the congestion on the roads. Public transport should be made accessible, efficient, and comfortable for everyone, to encourage its use over private vehicles.

Road Maintenance and Sanitation

The poor condition of Karachi’s roads needs to be prioritized. Regular road maintenance, including filling potholes, improving road structures, and removing garbage from the roadsides, is essential. Hygiene and sanitation should also be enforced to ensure that the streets remain clean and safe for both pedestrians and drivers.

Segregating Traffic for Safety

There should be a clear distinction between lanes for different types of vehicles, especially for heavy vehicles. This would prevent large vehicles from colliding with smaller ones, thus reducing the number of road tragedies. Heavy vehicle drivers should undergo fitness checks to ensure they are in the right state of mind to drive.

Strict Enforcement of Reckless Driving Laws

Reckless driving, such as over-speeding, overtaking, and drifting, should be strictly penalized. Authorities should impose heavy fines on offenders and ensure that drivers follow road safety regulations. Public awareness campaigns can also help in educating drivers about the dangers of reckless driving.

Addressing Street Crime

Authorities must take a more proactive approach to tackling street crime. Stronger law enforcement and the implementation of strict anti-crime measures are essential to make Karachi’s roads safer for commuters. The government should provide better security to protect citizens from theft, looting, and other criminal activities.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

Combating these road dangers requires both public awareness and stricter community guidelines. While the government must take action to address these pressing issues, the public must also adhere to road ethics and contribute to a safer environment for all. By working together, Karachi can take steps toward resolving its road safety issues, ensuring that commuters can travel without fear. I hope this article sheds light on the prevailing road dangers and offers a better understanding of how both individual and collective efforts can help in mitigating these risks

Read: Traffic Accidents in Karachi

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Alishba sana is a student at Mass Communication Department, University of Karachi

The post Road Dangers in Karachi: A Growing Crisis first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• To manage the financial implications, 2154 existing posts will be surrendered to accommodate the newly created ASI Investigation positions

Karachi, Sindh

In a significant move to enhance the investigative capacity of Sindh Police, the Sindh government has decided to appoint 2000 Assistant Sub-inspectors (ASIs) Investigation. This initiative aims to strengthen the police force’s ability to effectively handle criminal cases and improve conviction rates.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the Service Structure Committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah on Tuesday March 25. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Inspector General Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Secretary Finance Fayaz Ahmed Jatoi, Secretary Services Ghulam Ali Brahmani, Secretary Law Ali Ahmed Baloach, and other relevant officers from the police department.

The Home Department, following consultation with the Police and Finance Department, had submitted a detailed proposal seeking approval for these posts. To manage the financial implications, 2154 existing posts will be surrendered to accommodate the newly created ASI Investigation positions.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah stated that strengthening the investigation branch had been a longstanding challenge for the Sindh Police. He emphasized that investigation is a crucial component of policing and must be adequately equipped to ensure justice is served. He added that the creation of these posts is a significant step by the Sindh government to address this gap and improve investigative efficiency.

Inspector General of Sindh Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, while briefing the meeting, explained that the police force had historically focused heavily on recruiting constables, who now make up approximately 92% of the total force. This imbalance had hindered the growth of the investigation branch. He stated that the induction of ASI Investigation officers will play a vital role in improving investigation standards, ensuring thorough evidence collection, and enhancing conviction rates. He further noted that effective investigation is the backbone of the criminal justice system, and these newly created posts will empower the police to gather facts, analyze evidence, and build stronger cases to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

In addition to creating new posts, the Home Department has also sought approval for the re-appropriation of 1038 posts, including 2 SPs, 17 DSPs, 114 Inspectors, 308 Sub Inspectors, and 587 Constables from Non-Investigation to Investigation Units within Karachi Range. This reallocation is aimed at better utilizing resources without imposing any additional financial burden.

The Sindh government’s decision to strengthen the investigation branch reflects its commitment to improving law enforcement, eradicating crime, and ensuring justice across the province. By investing in investigative resources, the Sindh government is taking a major step towards improving the criminal justice system and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. (PR)

Read: Sindh to create Riverine Police Force

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