Karachi lawlessness: 1257 killed in just 6 months: HRCP

http://www.statesman.com.pk

Despite the tall claims of government and police there is no respite in the targeted killings of Karachi, as according to the data of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) targeted killings and other crimes claimed at least 1257 lives in Karachi during last six months from January to June, 2012. According to statistics compiled by HRCP Karachi chapter, a total of 1257 are killed in the city during first six months of 2012, with 972 fall prey to targeted killings, which is 77% of the total killings, on different grounds including sectarian, personal enmities, bomb blasts, Lyari Gang War and abduction. While during first six months of 2011, the figure was 1138. According to HRCP report, a total 972 people were targeted killed, of them 135 gunned down were political activists, 27 shot dead in sectarian killings, 84 in Lyari gang war, 160 abducted and killed, two burnt to death, 42 killed by robbers, 87 killed due to enmity, 39 dead bodies found, seven security guards, four died in prison, eight in bomb blasts and 11 in Karo Karo (honour killing). Of total 972 targeted killings, the HRCP figure shows that 366 people with no political affiliation are killed this year in first six months while 250 killings were reported during the corresponding period of last year. According to the statistics, women killed during the same period include – 24 by relatives, 12 by unidentified culprits, 13 targeted killed, four were set on fire, four each killed by robbers, burnt to death and Lyari gang war, 12 on pretext of Karo-Kari and one each killed by stray bullets, drug addiction and in bomb blasts. Of the total 99 killings related to law enforcement agencies, 48 killed in police encounters, 44 policemen were gunned down in different incidents, three killed in police custody, three soldier/paramilitary and one person killed by soldier/paramilitary. Of the 64 children killed in different incidents, 11 killed by stray bullets, seven targeted killings, seven falling into canal/drains, five abducted and killed, six abducted, raped and killed, four Lyari gang war, five by robbers, five on grounds of personal enmity, seven newborn dumped, two killed after ransom payment, two on railway track while one by soldier/paramilitary.