Karachi’s Conviction Rate in Street Crime Cases Falls to 6.13%

In 2024, Karachi recorded the disposal of 1,355 street crime cases, but convictions were secured in only 83 cases. This means the conviction rate was just 6.13%, raising serious concerns about the justice system’s ability to handle increasing street crimes, The News reported.

Official records show that 1,272 cases ended in acquittals, which accounts for 93.87% of all disposed of cases. By the end of December, the backlog of pending street crime cases in Karachi courts stood at 2,921.

Comparing the situation with the previous year, things have worsened. In 2023, 2,583 cases were disposed of, with 283 convictions, resulting in a conviction rate of 10.96%. The number of acquittals in 2023 was 2,300, making up 89.04% of total cases.

A district-wise breakdown of the 2024 statistics shows variations across Karachi. District East recorded 444 disposed cases, with 42 convictions, making the conviction rate 9.46%. Malir district saw 398 cases disposed of, but only nine convictions, which is an extremely low conviction rate of 2.26%.

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In District West, 219 cases were decided, with only seven convictions (3.20%) and 212 acquittals. District Central disposed of 159 cases, convicting only nine accused (5.66%) and acquitting 150 individuals. District South decided 135 cases, with 16 convictions (11.85%) and 119 acquittals.

Legal experts say the low conviction rate is due to flawed investigations, weak prosecution, and lack of strong evidence. Senior lawyer Shaukat Hayat pointed out that the three key pillars of the criminal justice system—the police, prosecution, and courts—fail to fulfill their duties.

He explained that poor investigation and improper evidence collection are major causes of acquittals. “If the investigation is conducted properly and evidence is collected, the question of acquittal does not arise,” he said.

According to him, the prosecution also fails to scrutinise charge sheets properly, which allows defense lawyers to find loopholes. He further noted that repeated court summons lead complainants to lose interest in their cases, which often results in acquittals. He also mentioned that in some cases, innocent people are wrongly implicated, weakening the case further.

Meanwhile, Karachi’s rising crime rates continue to be a concern, with incidents like the Karsaz Road accident adding to public safety worries. The Karsaz Road accident is another example of the city’s growing security and law enforcement challenges. As authorities investigate, the Karsaz Road accident highlights the need for improved legal and safety measures in Karachi.