Forbes rate Karachi as second most dangerous city in the world

Forbes Advisor’s 2024 rankings have identified the world’s most dangerous cities for tourists, with Karachi, Pakistan, coming in second after Caracas, Venezuela.

In 2023, Karachi experienced a notable rise in crime, with street crimes being particularly prevalent. Over 82,000 incidents of street crime were recorded, claiming the lives of 130 people and injuring more than 600.

The daily rate of street crime increased from 240 in 2022 to 247 in 2023, despite government efforts to curb these offences. The most affected month was August, with over 8,200 incidents reported, including mobile phone snatchings, car thefts, and motorcycle thefts.

The kidnapping cases in Karachi have also been alarming, with an increase in incidents involving extortion. In the first nine months of 2023, 91 extortion cases were reported. These operations often involve sophisticated networks based abroad, targeting local businessmen and traders with threats and demands for money.

The overall security situation in Karachi remains concerning, with citizens facing significant risks of robbery, extortion, and street crime on a daily basis. The police and authorities continue to grapple with these challenges, emphasizing the need for more effective measures to ensure the safety and security of the residents

The study evaluated 60 global cities, focusing on various factors including crime, safety, health, infrastructure, natural disasters, and digital security.

1. Caracas, Venezuela

Safety Score: 100

Overview: Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, ranks as the most dangerous city for tourists in 2024. The city is plagued by high crime rates, including violent crimes such as homicide, robbery, and kidnapping. Political instability and economic turmoil have exacerbated these issues, making the city extremely risky for visitors.

Factors:

Crime Rate: Extremely high, with frequent violent crimes.
Political Instability: Ongoing political and economic crises.
Infrastructure: Poor, with inadequate public services and facilities.

Tourist Tips:

Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
Stay in secure accommodations.
Use reputable tour operators and guides.

2. Karachi, Pakistan

Safety Score: 93.12

Overview: Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, is the second most dangerous city for tourists according to Forbes Advisor. The city faces significant challenges including political instability, high crime rates, and deficiencies in health services and infrastructure. Tourists are at risk from street crime, terrorism, and inadequate public transportation and sanitation facilities.

Factors:

Crime Rate: High, with street crimes and terrorism threats.
Health Services: Poor, with inadequate facilities.
Infrastructure: Inadequate public transport and frequent power outages.

Tourist Tips:

Avoid crowded areas and stay vigilant.
Use reliable transportation services.
Stay updated on local news and advisories.

3. Yangon, Myanmar

Safety Score: 91.67

Overview: Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, ranks third on the list. The city’s safety is compromised due to ongoing political instability, civil unrest, and a high crime rate. The healthcare system and infrastructure are also underdeveloped, posing additional risks to tourists.

Factors:

Political Instability: High, with frequent unrest and protests.
Crime Rate: Considerable, with theft and violent crimes.
Health Services: Limited and often inadequate.

Tourist Tips:

Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings.
Keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings.
Seek medical advice before traveling and have a health contingency plan.

4. Lagos, Nigeria

Safety Score: N/A

Overview: Lagos, Nigeria, is known for its vibrant culture but also for its high crime rates, including muggings, armed robbery, and kidnappings. The city also struggles with political instability and inadequate infrastructure.

Factors:

Crime Rate: High, with significant street crime and violence.
Political Instability: Present, with occasional unrest.
Infrastructure: Poor, with frequent power outages and traffic congestion.

Tourist Tips:

Avoid isolated areas and travel in groups.
Stay in well-secured accommodations.
Use verified and safe transportation options.

5. Manila, Philippines

Safety Score: N/A

Overview: Manila, the capital of the Philippines, faces numerous safety challenges, including a high crime rate, political instability, and natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes. The city also has issues with traffic congestion and pollution.

Factors: