An Epidemiologic Profile of Homicidal Deaths in Karachi

Abstract

Objective: The study was planned to review the epidemiologic profile of homicidal deaths in Karachi. 
Design of Study: Observational study. 
Duration and Place of Study:  Since Jan. 2009 to June 2009 and place of study was the Department of Forensic 
Medicine and Toxicology of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. 
Materials & Methods: Two hundred and ninety seven cases were included in the study. The data was collected by 
reviewing the police papers and autopsy reports. The parameters recorded were age, sex, manner of death, type of 
weapon used, part of the body involved, time of death and location of fatal wound.  
Results: During the study period there were 297 cases of homicides, out of which 259 (87.2%) were firearms related 
homicides and majority of victims were males (75.4%) and most of them were between 21 to 30 years of age 
(39.5%). Most of the crimes occurred during night hours (59.5%) and head injuries were most common (49.8%). 
Conclusions & recommendations: The firearms related homicides are highest in number, the reason being easy 
access to firearm weapons. Further studies and effective intervention strategies are needed to be employed to reduce 
the occurrence of homicides. The situation demands a strict control on firearms by government.