Crime in Pakistan is present in various forms and occurs everywhere, especially in the many major
cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Multan, Hyderabad, Islamabad and Quetta.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Among other general crimes, it includes major crimes such as murder, rape, gang rape, sexual abuse of a minor, kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary and carjacking.[9] For example, in the city of Lahore 379 murders, 500 attempted murders, 2,650 abductions and 55 rapes have occurred in 2019.[9] A direct relationship has been identified between the crime rate and unemployment rate in Pakistan. Elevated unemployment diminishes the attractiveness of legal endeavors, consequently raising the potential gains from illicit pursuits. As a result, the likelihood of an upsurge in illegal activities rises.[10][11] Crime Statistics of Pakistan shows that there is a rapid increase in the number of crime reported over time like other countries of the world. It may be because of high unemployment, rising poverty, increasing inflation and urbanization. Some other non-economic factors are also responsible for it.[12][13]
Pakistan falls under the Golden Crescent,[14] which is one of the two major illicit opium producing centres in Asia.[15]Opium poppy cultivation in Pakistan is estimated to be 800 hectares in 2005 yielding a potential production of 4 metric tons of heroin.[16] Opium has been historically cultivated primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the areas near to the border withAfghanistan.[14] Until the late 1970s, opium production levels were relatively static; it increased after 1979.[14] An estimated $4 billion is generated from drug trafficking in Pakistan.[17]
Corruption in Pakistan is widespread,[20] and extends to every sector from government to judiciary, police, health services, education, and military.[21]
Corruption distorts economic decision-making, deters investment, undermines competitiveness and, ultimately, weakens economic growth of a country that is why the problems are long-standing, and despite ongoing calls for reform, and many attempts to improve the situation, there is little evidence of progress.[22][23] The former government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Pakistan Justice Movement), led by cricketer turned politician Imran Khan, vowed to uproot corruption from all sectors. However, there is little success in bringing accountability across the board.[24] The promise to build a welfare state on the principle of Riasat-e-Madina (state of Madina) has been enshrined by recent government but there is little success on practical grounds.[25]
Corruption runs rampant throughout various sectors and facets of life in Pakistan, but when it comes to the prevalence of corruption, the Pakistan Police stand out as unparalleled. According to surveys and reports from international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the police force is consistently identified as the most corrupt institution in Pakistan.[26]
^ abIftikhar, Rukhsana (2019). "Break the Silence: Pakistani Women Facing Violence". Journal of Political Studies (36): 63 – via Gale Academic OneFile.
