Karachi is currently under a distressing rise in child abductions, leaving families and communities in a state of heightened anxiety. The recent disappearance of 7-year-old Mohammed Sarim from North Karachi has particularly shaken the city.
Sarim Missing or Kidnapped?
On January 7, 2025, young Sarim vanished after attending a local madrassa in North Karachi’s Sector 5, within the jurisdiction of the Bilal Colony police station. Despite the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 364-A of the Pakistan Penal Code and ongoing investigations, there has been no significant breakthrough in locating him. Compounding the family’s distress, Sarim’s parents received ransom demands of Rs500,000 from a number initially traced to a Middle Eastern country. However, further investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) suggest a possible connection to a group operating in Punjab. The lack of available CCTV footage has further hindered the search efforts.
2 More Kids Abducted in Karachi
The concern intensified with the disappearance of two more children—five-year-old Aliyan and six-year-old Ali Raza—from Karachi’s Garden locality. Both boys went missing while playing outside their homes. CCTV footage revealed two individuals, a man and a woman, transporting the children on a motorcycle towards Lyari. FIRs have been registered, and investigations are underway, but the children remain missing.
What Have Authorities Done Till Now?
In response to these alarming incidents, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed Karachi police to expedite the recovery of the missing children and to enhance patrolling across the city. Additionally, Sindh Inspector General Police Ghulam Nabi Memon has established a special unit dedicated to missing children cases, though Sarim’s case has yet to be transferred to this unit. Despite these measures, the absence of crucial evidence, such as CCTV footage in Sarim’s case, continues to impede progress.
The recent surge in child abductions has not only instilled fear among Karachi’s residents but also highlighted significant challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. The lack of immediate action and delays in investigations have drawn criticism from affected families and the broader community. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved surveillance, community vigilance, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to ensure the safety and security of Karachi’s youngest residents.
