Peshawar – A sharp rise in street crimes across Peshawar has left residents gripped with fear and insecurity, as incidents of robbery, theft, and pickpocketing continue to escalate, particularly ahead of Eid Ul Fitr.
According to multiple sources, criminal elements, including armed robbers, thieves, and pickpockets, have intensified their activities in the provincial capital, turning routine movement into a life-threatening risk for ordinary citizens. Increasingly, possessions such as vehicles, motorcycles, and even mobile phones are becoming liabilities rather than conveniences, with many citizens reportedly losing their lives over minor resistance.
The situation has worsened during the last Ashra of Ramadan, as large crowds in busy commercial hubs provide opportunities for criminals to operate freely.Areas most affected include Hashtnagri, Chowk Yadgar (Shadi Pir), Karim Pura, Meena Bazaar, Koochi Bazaar, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Saddar, Shafi Market, and Hayatabad Phase III, where citizens are being looted in broad daylight.
Residents have expressed serious concern over what they describe as the apparent helplessness of law enforcement agencies in curbing the growing menace. Public circles are increasingly vocal, urging the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar, Dr. Mian Saeed, to launch a decisive crackdown against street criminals.They have called for stringent “half fry” and “full fry” operations, terms commonly used for aggressive policing strategies, similar to previous actions taken against land mafias and other organized criminal groups.
In a troubling incident highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation, the son of a former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mian Naseeb Jan, also fell victim to armed robbery within the jurisdiction of Kotwali Police Station.
The victim, Mian Saeed Jan, a resident of Police Quarters Gor Gathri and a manager at a private bank, reported that he was intercepted by two armed motorcyclists while returning to Gulshan Bazaar after dropping his son at a school bus stop.The assailants, brandishing weapons, threatened him with death and forcibly snatched his mobile phone, cash, and other valuables before fleeing the scene.
The incident has further intensified public anxiety, raising serious questions about security arrangements in the city.Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation, but citizens remain skeptical, demanding immediate and effective measures to restore law and order in Peshawar.
