Causes, Social Consequences, and Recommendations for Improvement
In Pakistan’s largest metropolis — the capital of commerce and chaos — a hidden crisis defines the city’s struggle for justice: the vast gap between crimes reported through First Information Reports (FIRs) and the cases that actually end in conviction.
The numbers are stark — and alarming.
According to official Sindh Police records and independent analytical reports, the province’s overall conviction rate remains below 2%, while Karachi’s urban crime categories barely reach 6–11%.
This means that out of hundreds of thousands of FIRs registered every year, only a handful of criminals are ever punished.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
A 2024 report revealed that out of 38,372 cases decided in Sindh, only 707 resulted in convictions — a rate of 1.84%.
In Karachi, where street crimes dominate daily headlines, data showed 83 convictions out of 1,355 decided cases (6.13%) in 2024.
The previous year fared little better, with 283 convictions in 2,583 cases (10.96%).
These figures, though varying slightly year to year, confirm one tragic truth — most crimes go unpunished.
Why Convictions Are So Low
- Weak Investigations:
Poor evidence collection, mishandled crime scenes, and lack of forensic follow-up leave cases legally fragile from the start. - Ineffective Prosecution:
Overburdened and under-trained prosecutors are unable to present solid cases or challenge defense tactics effectively. - Witness Intimidation and Fear:
Many witnesses withdraw or contradict their statements under pressure, destroying the prosecution’s foundation. - False FIRs and Political Pressure:
Misuse of FIRs for personal or political gain distorts the justice system and wastes judicial resources. - Judicial Delays:
Thousands of pending cases create long gaps between crime and verdict — memories fade, evidence disappears, and witnesses lose interest. - Lack of Forensic Infrastructure:
Limited use of DNA, ballistic, and fingerprint analysis reduces the strength of evidence, especially in serious crimes.
Consequences of the Justice Gap
The failure to convict criminals has far-reaching social and economic costs.
- Public Distrust: Citizens lose faith in law enforcement and the courts.
- Vigilantism: People resort to mob justice or informal means to “solve” disputes.
- Economic Damage: High crime discourages investment and weakens Karachi’s business climate.
- Human Rights Violations: Victims, especially of sexual or violent crimes, are denied justice — fueling silence and trauma.
- Witness Protection
The most critical factor in this crisis is the absence of effective witness protection.
In theory, Sindh is ahead of other provinces. It enacted the Sindh Witness Protection Act, 2013, establishing a Witness Protection Programme for witnesses, their families, and even prosecutors or judges under threat.
Key Features of the Act:
- Physical and Legal Protection: Guards, security, or safe housing for endangered witnesses.
- Confidentiality: Concealment of identity, address, and testimony details.
- Relocation: Witnesses can be moved to another city or province under new identity.
- Financial and Legal Assistance: Allowances, housing, or psychological support when required.
- Protection Board: A multi-departmental body (Police, Home, Judiciary, Prosecution) to determine the level of protection.
- In-Camera Testimonies: Witnesses can testify via video link or behind a screen to prevent exposure.
At the federal level, the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Bill, 2015 was also proposed — but never implemented nationally.
Thus, Sindh remains the only province with a witness protection law — mostly on paper.
Without proper funding, staff, and coordination, this law has failed to protect those it was meant to defend.
The Way Forward
To rebuild trust in the justice system, Pakistan — and particularly Karachi — must move from promises to performance.
The following reforms are both urgent and achievable:
- Professionalize Investigation:
Train officers in evidence collection, chain of custody, and digital forensics.
Establish dedicated Crime Scene Units at the district level. - Empower the Prosecution:
Increase the number of prosecutors, improve their training, and ensure coordination with investigators. - Fully Implement Witness Protection:
Operationalize the Sindh Witness Protection Act, 2013 with an independent secretariat, funding, and annual performance audits. - Transparency in Data:
Publish monthly crime and conviction dashboards for public and media oversight. - Judicial Modernization:
Introduce fast-track courts, digital case management, and electronic evidence systems. - Legal Aid for Victims:
Provide free legal representation and psychological support to ensure victims remain part of the justice process. - Community Policing:
Build trust through neighborhood safety programs, citizen-police liaison committees, and youth awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
In Karachi — Pakistan’s financial heart — the true measure of justice lies not in the number of FIRs, but in the number of convictions.
When 98 out of every 100 accused walk free, justice is not merely delayed — it is denied.
The city needs more than statements; it needs a revolution in accountability.
A stronger investigation system, empowered prosecutors, and real protection for witnesses can turn this tide.
Until then, the gulf between crime and punishment will continue to erode public trust — and Karachi’s dream of justice will remain unfinished.
By Nadeem Ahmed, Advocate
Human Rights Defender, Social and Civil Mobilizer, and an Advocate for Judicial Reforms
Sources: Sindh Police Annual Crime Statistics, Judicial Performance Reports, Dawn News, Geo Investigations, and ISSRA Research Papers on Criminal Justice Reform.
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