In response to the recent rise in child kidnappings in Karachi, the police have introduced new safety guidelines for schools and seminaries (Madrassas) to protect children.
The newly issued guidelines emphasize that children should only be released to their parents. The advisory also urges parents to avoid sending their children to school or seminaries alone and stresses the importance of adult supervision during travel.
The new measures come after a distressing attempted kidnapping in Karachi’s Korangi area.
Kidnapping Incident in Bhatai Colony
In Bhatai Colony, a young girl and a woman successfully thwarted the kidnapper’s attempt by shouting for help, causing the kidnappers to flee.
The incident occurred in Sector D, where CCTV footage has now been shared. The video shows the woman walking with the girl when two men on a motorcycle approach them. One of the men dismounts and grabs the girl, but she quickly pulls away and starts shouting. The woman also calls for help, which causes the kidnapper to back off. Hearing the commotion, the man on the motorcycle quickly returns, and both men flee the scene.
Reports indicate the kidnapper had threatened the girl, warning her that he would cut off her finger if she didn’t comply.
The police are investigating the incident. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Korangi confirmed that the family’s statement is being reviewed. Legal action is being taken, and authorities are working to identify the suspects involved in the attempted kidnapping.
This latest attempt has raised concerns about the Karachi police’s performance, as they have yet to apprehend the culprit responsible for the abduction and death of a minor named Sarim, who went missing from his apartment block in New Karachi.
In addition, police have not located the two minors kidnapped from Garden West nearly a week ago. Despite CCTV footage showing a man and woman on a motorcycle with the two children, who appear to be semi-conscious, police remain without leads in this case.