Unresolved Crimes, Rising Frustration: Is Islamabad Safe?

APP

Islamabad: Despite Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi’s assurances of improved security, crime rates in the capital city continue to rise, casting serious doubts on law enforcement effectiveness.

In the past 24 hours alone, 15 robbery and theft incidents were reported, with residents losing millions of rupees, according to official sources.

Unresolved issues, including cases of kidnapping, fraud, and murder, also plague the city, with police efforts seemingly falling short in protecting citizens’ lives and property.

Official sources claim that while 15 cases of robbery were registered over the last day, numerous other incidents went unreported, allegedly to downplay crime rates.

Victims in unreported cases have been left without recourse, as police detentions remain minimal, and suspects in recent cases have yet to be apprehended. This lack of action points to broader deficiencies within law enforcement, including a backlog of over 7,000 wanted individuals.

The once-promising campaign against drug trafficking, “Nasha Ab Nahi” (No More Drugs), has reportedly lost momentum. Sources indicate that while small-time offenders have faced arrests, no major drug peddlers have been apprehended.

According to Fahad Khan, a local resident, law enforcement’s anti-narcotics efforts focus primarily on minor cases, with major suppliers allegedly continuing operations, especially in high-profile areas like the Red Zone and neighborhoods such as Noorpur Shahan and Bari Imam.

Concerns are further heightened by an incident involving a prominent drug dealer, Ejaz, also known as Jazi.

Sources allege that after Jazi’s recent arrest by Bari Imam outpost in-charge Jafar, bribes amounting to millions were paid to reduce his charges to minor offenses. Although two of Jazi’s properties, believed to be acquired through illicit income, were seized, drug trafficking involving substances like ice, heroin, and cocaine reportedly persists across the city.

Despite the availability of advanced surveillance technology, including Safe City cameras and drones, the 29 police stations in Islamabad appear unable to curtail crime or effectively disrupt drug networks, sources said.

Growing frustration among Islamabad residents over unchecked crime and limited police accountability is leading to calls for more transparent crime reporting and rigorous follow-up on unresolved cases.

The current situation is raising questions about the effectiveness of IG Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and DIG Ali Raza’s leadership, as well as the city’s overall law enforcement strategy.