700 children subjected to abuse, 49 women kidnapped for marriage: Report

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Surge in violence and crime marks Peshawar’s 2024
The year 2024 has been marked by a significant rise in violence and criminal activities in Peshawar, with various reports highlighting alarming statistics
Haqnawaz Shinwari
PESHAWAR
According to police data, 493 individuals, including women and children, lost their lives due to land disputes and other conflicts.
Additionally, the city witnessed 94 fatalities from traffic accidents and 423 attempted murders. Disturbingly, 700 children were subjected to abuse, while 49 women were kidnapped for marriage. Other notable incidents include over 1,100 cases of theft, robbery, and mobile phone snatching.
The crime rate has escalated compared to previous years, with an increase in cases of violence against women.
There was a 25 percent rise in attempted murders involving women, and the number of theft and robbery incidents surged from 949 to 1,177.
Mobile phone thefts were particularly prevalent in the provincial capital, with 269 cases reported. Despite extensive police efforts, including 200 encounters and the killing of 11 criminals, the situation remains dire, as crime continues to spiral upward.
The police’s inability to control the rising crime rate, despite technological surveillance like CCTV and police isolation units, has left many residents feeling insecure.
The statistics underscore a growing sense of fear and helplessness among the public as they hope for a peaceful resolution to the escalating violence and lawlessness.
In 2024, Peshawar has also witnessed a significant escalation in attacks on police stations, further exacerbating the security situation.
Notable incidents include attacks on police stations in areas such as Badhaber, Pashtakhera, Chamkani, and Faqirabad. These assaults on law enforcement installations underscore the growing threat to public order and safety in the district.
The crime graph for 2024 has recorded a sharp increase in various criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and mobile phone snatching. This surge in crimes, compared to the previous year, indicates a rising level of lawlessness and insecurity.
The growing frequency of such incidents, coupled with violent acts against police stations, has deepened concerns about the ability of authorities to restore peace and maintain control over the situation in Peshawar.