Bike-Hailing Rider Shot Dead in Karachi During Robbery Attempt
Tragic incident highlights the escalating street crime in Karachi
A rider of an online bike-hailing service was shot dead on Friday while resisting an armed robbery in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar area.
The victim, a 40-year-old resident of Korangi, was attacked near Munawar Chowrangi, where a CCTV video captured the moment he confronted his assailants after they attempted to rob him.
As reported, the confrontation escalated quickly; following a verbal exchange and an apparent attempt to steal from him, the rider managed to grab one of the muggers. In response, the armed assailants opened fire, fatally wounding him before fleeing the scene despite the heavy traffic around them.
The police later confirmed that they had recovered the victim’s wallet and motorcycle and were in the process of gathering evidence from the crime scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine if personal enmity played a role in this incident alongside the robbery attempt.
This incident is part of a troubling trend in Karachi, where street crimes have surged dramatically. According to statistics from the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), over 50,000 criminal incidents were reported in Karachi between January and August 2024, averaging about 208 cases per day.
The most common crimes include mobile phone snatching and motorcycle thefts, which have collectively resulted in significant financial losses estimated in millions of rupees.
Alarmingly, around 90 individuals have lost their lives due to street crime this year alone, with many others injured.
The rising crime rate has sparked public concern and criticism regarding law enforcement’s ability to maintain safety in the city.
