KARACHI: The performance of District Central Police over the past two years reflects sustained gains in crime control and enforcement, according to official data reviewed at the conclusion of SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqui’s tenure, highlighting focused operations against street crime, narcotics, gutka-mawa, and proclaimed offenders in one of Pakistan’s most complex urban districts.

Karachi, the country’s largest city and economic hub, has long faced persistent law-and-order challenges driven by population pressure, organized crime, and social complexities. In this context, policing outcomes in the city carry implications beyond local boundaries, affecting public safety, investment confidence, and economic activity nationwide.

According to police records, District Central Police adopted a proactive and intelligence-led approach during 2024 and 2025. Over this period, 595 police encounters were recorded, resulting in the arrest of 1,027 suspects. Of these, 56 were killed, 524 arrested unharmed, and 503 apprehended in injured condition. During these operations, law enforcement recovered 2 rifles, 1 Kalashnikov, 778 pistols, 11 revolvers, and 1,892 rounds of ammunition, indicating engagement with armed and organized criminal elements.

Efforts to curb street crime remained a central focus. Police registered 2,081 cases related to street crime, leading to the arrest of 1,997 suspects. Weapons seized during these operations included 1,880 pistols, 71 revolvers, 3 Mausers, 40 rifles, 7 repeaters, 1 Kalashnikov, 56 plastic pistols, and 5,202 rounds, reflecting the scale and seriousness of the challenge.

Crackdowns against narcotics also featured prominently in the district’s enforcement strategy. Over the two-year period, 1,430 drug-related cases were registered and 1,814 suspects arrested. Seized contraband included 513.457 kilograms of hashish, 4.229 kilograms of heroin, 248.544 kilograms of ice, along with quantities of ganja, bhang, crystal, and liquor. Police officials said the operations aimed to disrupt supply chains and reduce the availability of drugs, particularly among youth.

Similarly, action against gutka and mawa was intensified. District Central Police seized more than 141,000 packets of gutka-mawa, over 1,310 kilograms of the substance, and large quantities of chalia, tobacco, katha, and lime. A total of 156 gutka-mawa manufacturing units were sealed during the period. Officials noted that while enforcement yielded results, long-term success depends on sustained monitoring, legal proceedings, and broader regulatory support.

Operations against proclaimed and absconding offenders led to the arrest of 295 individuals, strengthening enforcement of court orders and contributing to improved public confidence in policing mechanisms.

Despite these gains, police officials acknowledge that challenges such as street crime and narcotics trafficking persist and require continuous coordination with legislative, judicial, and social stakeholders. Observers note that consistent leadership and data-driven policing remain critical for maintaining momentum.

SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqui has now been selected for the 39th Senior Management Course. During a farewell ceremony, senior officers commended his professional conduct and the district’s overall performance in maintaining law and order during his tenure.