Gujranwala at the mercy of robbers

Author: Malik Wasil

GUJRANWALA: With all the talk of revamping the police force, the citizens of Gujranwala were expecting the crime graph to go down but the latest figures have dashed all such hopes. Even after the appointment of a new CPO, no progress has been witnessed so far to control the crime rate in the district.

The first five months of this year have been marked by murders, kidnappings, kidnappings for ransom, rapes, burglaries and vehicle thefts which have created a sense of insecurity.

A lot of gambling points and “QubaKhanas” have been set up in civil lines, Aroop, Jinnah Road, Sadar, Dhulley, Peoples Colony, Cantt and other police station limits and police showed no sign of being able to control these crimes.Gangs of youngsters were active during this period, snatching mobiles and holding couples at gunpoint in the city streets and markets.

People are worried about the increasing incidents of robberies; there seems to be no end to the crime incidents as the police have not yet succeeded in being able to control the increasing crime rate.

Even in the holy month of Ramazan, dacoities were on the rise, drugs are also being sold and land mafia was active.

Citizens criticized the police for their indifferent attitude in curbing crime, especially burglary and vehicle theft which are happening almost everyday in the city. After sunset, cultivators, businessmen, and the common man cannot travel for fear of being robbed.

Activists from religious and nationalist parties, trade organizations and the general public have shown their concern about the rise in crime. in the city.

However, t seems the police are not ready to take action against criminals. Thieves broke open locks on houses and shops and easily stole costly articles without any fear of the police, it was reported. People and traders were being looted in broad daylight and deprived of cash, mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuable belongings. Not only has this increased a sense of insecurity but it has also dampened trade activities. Citizens says that only police officers feel safe because they are escorted by heavily armed police guards when they travel, and heavy police guards are deployed at their residences and offices.