What happened: On Feb 19, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah admitted to the rise in street crime in Karachi as he expressed alarm about an increase in armed muggings and homicides, adding that the country’s “deteriorating economic situation” are to be blamed for the surge. Details: He expressed his thoughts to reporters at the Pakistan Election Commission’s office, where came to submit the nomination paper of senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader Nisar Khuhro. Rise in street crimes: Shah responded to a query regarding the recent trend of street crime in Karachi, which has cost dozens of lives, by saying, “It’s incredibly troubling for me and everyone. We are taking steps and have lately made some improvements, but you can see that many individuals have become involved as a result of the country’s deteriorating economic situation.” Taking responsibility: Shah added that he’s not making any excuses, “I accept that it is our (Sindh government’s) fault, but there is undoubtedly a reason for the current increase in the country’s crime rate.” What’s next: Shah says Karachi’s police did an outstanding job in restoring peace, “You all know what happened in 2012-14, yet our police officers worked hard and made sacrifices. They took down terrorist organisations and target killers’ sleeper networks,” as the CM claimed that they we have again taken up this issue with the officers and hopes for it to be controlled.