How to Beat Street Crime while in Karachi

This is just a precautionary public service message to all my non resident Pakistani friends who are intending to visit our troubled homeland for Eid. The street crime rate has really gone up breaking all records - so travel safe. Here are few tips which might be of some help:

Airport Strategy:

Be Extra Vigilant when coming out of Airport. There have been numerous incidents of robberies targeted at passengers coming out of international flights. Especially the moment you exit the Airport jurisdiction and hit Shahrah e Faisal be vigilant to suspicious bikers. Keep your passport and forex under your car seat. Do not carry lot of baggage, as it attracts attention. Do not even think of using a mobile phone while on road.

Feeling Homely Mindset:

Once we reach home, we get into the care free mode of “Feeling Homely”. This feeling-homely-feel remains with us even when we step out of our home. That’s where we are again open to the external threat.
Therefore, before you go into that mode, put your valet (credit cards, labour card, licence etc) in some safe place. Just use CASH when you go out or carry a local ATM card (only one).

Street Fighter Mode:

While driving on roads, make sure you drive in the central lane. Avoid extreme left or right especially when you stop on traffic signals. Extreme lanes give these people a one side cover and their exposure is minimal.
Try not to drive alone. Have a company for a change. You may think it doesn’t make a difference but believe me you will be less vulnerable. Attempting on two requires a different tactic all together.

Bank Visit:

Many of us visit a bank branch atleast once during our stay (atleast an ATM). Generally, we are occupied with the thought as to how much should we withdraw. Again please note that’s exactly when someone sitting somewhere is watching and waiting for you. Plan your EXIT before you ENTER the ATM. If you have a company tell that person to keep an eye on you. When you come out in the open, immediately after drawing CASH, waive at your friend as if you are signalling that the ATM is not working or the Card didn’t work. Again, anyone who is watching would change his mind and wait for the person who is going to draw next.

Enjoying the Nightlife:

We are 10 times more vulnerable in the dark. If you are visiting a friend, or a restaurant, or planning to shop, park your car in LIGHT. Even if it means “No Parking”. If you don’t find a parking under a street / store light, then try parking in front of the security guards. When you are through with your adventure, stay at the exit door and have a good glance of your surroundings. Look for the threat.

Exit – Departure:

We always leave in hurry. Are we going to make it? Have I put everything back in my bag? Oh where is the passport / ticket / mobile ?? These are some of the thoughts that we are occupied with while coming back to the airport. We recount the whole trip and feel lucky to be going back safe n sound. What we need to remember is that it aint over yet !! The last time while sitting in the departure lounge I saw a women crying and screaming loudly, “they have destroyed my country, I will never come back, that’s what you get when you come back after 10 years”. Everyone in the waiting lounge heard that. The Airport Security Staff was accompanying her. On my query I came to know that she was robbed just a KM away from the airport. She lost her jewellery, mobile and purse. They gave her passport and ticket back.


Here is easy to remember acronym for you “BE SAFE” i.e. B - Bank Visit, E- Enjoying the nightlife, S-Street Fighter Mode, A-Airport Strategy, F-Feeling Homely Mindset, E-Exit.

Have a very safe journey.