Crime inPakistan is present in various forms, especially in thecities ofKarachi,Lahore,Faisalabad,Rawalpindi,Gujranwala,Peshawar,Multan,Hyderabad,Islamabad andQuetta.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Among other general crimes, it includes major crimes such asmurder,rape,kidnapping, armedrobbery,burglary,carjacking andcorruption.[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, mainly due to high unemployment, rising poverty, increasing inflation and urbanization. Some other non-economic factors are also responsible for it.[12][13]
Pakistan falls under theGolden 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 4metric tons ofheroin.[16] Opium has been historically cultivated primarily inKhyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the areas near to theborder 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]
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Corruption in Pakistan involves fraudulent practices carried out by officials and institutions, ranging from petty bribery to high-profile scandals.[20]
Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif was ousted and faced corruption charges after thePanama Papers leak.Corruption distorts economic decision-making, deters investment, undermines competitiveness and, ultimately, hinders economic growth in the country. The problems are deeply entrenched, spanning back decades, and despite ongoing calls for reform, and many attempts to improve the situation, there is little evidence of progress.[21][22]
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.[23]
^Khan, Nabeela; Ahmed, Junaid; Nawaz, Muhammad; Zaman, Khalid (October 2015). "The Socio-Economic Determinants of Crime in Pakistan: New Evidence on an Old Debate".Arab Economic and Business Journal.10 (2):73–81.doi:10.1016/j.aebj.2015.01.001.hdl:10419/187527.
Khan, Nabeela; Ahmed, Junaid; Nawaz, Muhammad; Zaman, Khalid (October 2015). "The Socio-Economic Determinants of Crime in Pakistan: New Evidence on an Old Debate".Arab Economic and Business Journal.10 (2):73–81.doi:10.1016/j.aebj.2015.01.001.hdl:10419/187527.
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