The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) came down hard on the Sindh government over an increase in street crimes, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari said the people from Karachi to Kashmore were not safe.

He said no action was being taken against armed gangs and dacoits in Kashmore or against street crime in Karachi.

The MQM-P leader described the Sindh Police as a facilitator of the criminals “There can be no crimes without the backing of black sheep in the police.”

He wondered if the sale-purchase of stolen mobile phones and motorcycles is possible without the backing of the police.

“The Sindh Police needs to stop the Eid collection and rein in elements involved in street crime.”

He said the federal interior minister should come to Karachi and sit with the Sindh CM to review the situation. He urged the Sindh High Court chief justice to take notice of the situation.

 “We requested that a neighbourhood watch system should be implemented. If the Sindh government won’t, then we announce that we will,” he said, adding that concerned residents would guard their areas and work on the security and safety of their neighbourhoods.

He called for an increase in police patrolling in middle-class and poorer areas of the city.  He called on the SHC chief justice to take notice of the lawlessness. He further said that street crime was an “industry”, and urged the SHC chief justice to take this matter up in court.

MQM-P leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan said that the party was constantly raising its voice over the situation in Karachi. Talking about the appointment of the Sindh inspector general, he alleged that the provincial government had “blackmailed” the PML-N.

Sindh ministers strike back at MQM-P

Reacting to the MQM-P leadership’s remarks. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan said it feels like Khawaja Izhar has become the spokesperson of Shehbaz Sharif.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon MQM leaders' narrative is just aimed at benefiting criminals. “It will demoralize the police force.”

Nasir Hussain Shah said the first priority of the Sindh government is to restore law and order in any case. Police and Rangers are not only conducting targeted operations in Karachi but also taking action against street crime, he added.