By Saleem Mubarak
LAHORE: Delivery riders, often considered the unsung heroes of our modern convenience culture, are increasingly becoming victims of a wave of nighttime robberies in Faisalabad.
In recent days, more than six delivery riders found themselves in the line of fire as the robbers targeted them. Four of these incidents took place within the remit of Peoples Colony police station. Shockingly, a girl was in cahoots with the robbers who looted a delivery boy near Abdullahpur Bridge at midnight on January 3.
Police Claims and Arrests
The police claimed to have arrested a gang of robbers who had been targeting delivery riders at midnight. However, this surging trend of robberies has left delivery boys in a mind-boggling situation.
The Struggles Faced by Delivery Boys
Asghar, a delivery rider, explained that unbridled poverty is creating a host of issues for him, and he finds himself in a difficult situation. He said, “We cannot stay at home, fearing that robbers will deprive us of all our belongings. How can we feed our children and other family members if we avoid visiting troubled spots?” He also mentioned, “It is poverty that compels us to undertake this risky job, even at midnight.”
Faisalabad: The Textile Capital and Its Changing Demographics
Faisalabad, known as the textile capital of Pakistan, is not only economically significant but also witnessing a boom in food delivery services. The eating patterns of Faisalabad’s denizens are changing with every passing day, thanks to the food delivery at their doorstep. Delivery riders are playing a significant role in satisfying this growing demand.
The Booming Delivery Service Industry
The delivery service industry is also booming, providing jobs to dozens of people who work tirelessly to support their families. However, their hard work is landing them in trouble, as brazen robbers continue to loot them with apparent impunity. Despite police claims of ongoing efforts to apprehend the criminals, this troubling trend remains unchecked.
Why Delivery Boys Are Being Targeted
Robbers are targeting delivery boys, particularly at night, as it is a suitable time when most police patrols are concentrated on main roads. However, it has been observed that robbers are targeting the delivery boys in deserted areas. The delivery riders, who are an essential part of the city’s food delivery ecosystem, are now facing an increasingly unsafe working environment.
Security Crisis for Delivery Boys in Faisalabad
Another delivery boy talking to Grand Lines Pk said that his colleagues are perturbed due to the surging trend of robberies, which is posing a serious threat to their safety. He said the security situation in the city is dangerous for riders, and we are now hesitant to deliver orders to our customers at night. He pointed out that, “Due to the cold and fog, the demand for delivery services is increasing across the city’s areas. People are hesitant to go outside for dining and prefer to enjoy food while staying at home.”
Calls for Action from Police
Sensing the situation, he pointed out that the police officials should step up efforts to net the criminals targeting delivery boys. Believe it or not, he said, the delivery boys have become essential to the local economy. “We are delivering products to people at their doorsteps, keeping them safe and sound. But the question remains: why is our security at stake?” he asked. Delivery boys are being recognized as the lifeline for many businesses, yet their lives and property are at risk.
The Challenges Delivery Boys Face Every Day
Challenges for delivery boys are increasing, as they have to work long hours, navigate traffic congestion to deliver parcels on time, and face the adverse effects of weather. Amid such challenges, he said the delivery boys in Faisalabad are becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities. “We are traumatized and fearful, and the situation is impacting our daily earnings. We are worried about how we will meet our expenses,” he said.
The Modus Operandi of Robbers
Reports indicate that robbers are approaching delivery boys in dark and isolated areas where they can easily avoid identification and police. The criminals are not only robbing cash and mobile phones, but they are also looting food products, food delivery boxes, and even sweaters from the riders.
Night Shifts Becoming Risky for Delivery Riders
Another delivery rider shared that the majority of riders are now hesitating to take night shifts because of the robberies. He mentioned that night shifts are generally preferred by riders, as during these hours, people often give cash awards to riders as a token of appreciation. However, given the current situation, riders are now avoiding these shifts out of fear for their safety.
Shorter Routes: A Double-Edged Sword for Delivery Riders
“We used to discuss finding shorter routes to deliver parcels to our clients on time. Such routes saved us fuel cost and time, but now, these very routes have become a nightmare for delivery boys, as robbers easily target us,” he mentioned. He pointed out that police officials are cooperating with the robbery victim riders; however, it is painful that the criminals remain at large, creating a sense of insecurity among those in the food delivery business.
The Impact of Rising Safety Concerns on the Industry
The growing safety concerns among delivery boys will have a negative impact on the food delivery business. The situation requires extra security measures to nab the criminals who are looting these poor riders. Without better protection, the delivery service industry in Faisalabad may face a significant decline.
Economic Hardship and Its Connection to Robberies
It is believed that one of the primary reasons behind the increase in robberies is economic hardship. Due to the rampant inflation, many workers are jobless in Faisalabad, and some policemen believe that these unemployed people are involved in the robberies. They say that as the cost of living soars, it becomes difficult for many families to meet their expenses. In such circumstances, some people resort to crime out of sheer desperation. This surging economic pressure is creating a dangerous environment for workers, such as delivery boys.
Lack of Security and the Role of Police Patrolling
A delivery rider mentioned that the areas where his colleagues were looted lack sufficient security. However, the police have dispelled this impression, explaining that it is impossible for law enforcement to be present on every road 24/7. The rider said that an adequate police presence or surveillance during the night could help prevent frequent incidents of robberies. The lack of security, he said, allows robbers to target delivery boys and others without fear of being caught.
Fear of Retaliation and Lack of Reporting Crimes
To avoid further complications, he explained that many people avoid reporting crimes due to fear of retaliation or the belief that nothing will change even if they do. The lack of reporting is fueling the problem, enabling robbers to continue their looting spree without fear of consequences. He said some policemen, instead of offering timely help, are allegedly blaming the victims.
Consequences of Unreported Incidents
Due to the unreported incidents, he said officials will remain unaware of the full extent of the issue. He mentioned that the delivery boys are unable to express the anxiety and depression they are experiencing. However, it’s clear that this situation is likely to affect their overall well-being in the long run.
Police Response and the Importance of Neighborhood Patrolling
A police officer said that they are aware people are criticizing the police patrols and suggesting that the lack of patrolling is a contributing factor to the robberies. He assured that many neighborhoods are now being covered by an effective patrolling plan, which is being monitored closely by senior officials.
