What effect did the 2013 security crackdown have on crime in Karachi?

Following the launch of a military crackdown by the national government in 2013, Karachi experienced a dramatic decline in crime by the end of the decade. This initiative was part of ongoing efforts to address the persistent violence and lawlessness that had plagued the city since the late 20th century, which had been further exacerbated by ethnic tensions and a rapid influx of Pashtun migrants.1

While the security situation improved significantly, the city simultaneously faced challenges regarding municipal governance. In the same year as the crackdown, the provincial government of Sindh enacted reforms to decentralize municipal services and increase provincial oversight; however, this led to confusion regarding the financing and provision of basic services, resulting in the continued deterioration of infrastructure and sanitation.1