ISLAMABAD: Due to an effective policy and timely action against criminals, the first six months of the year saw a considerable decrease in the overall crime in the federal capital, said the capital police in a press release on Saturday.

During the current year, the overall heinous crime rate decreased by 24pc.

“The first six months’ crime reflects a major dip in the incidents of robbery/street crime which reduced by 52pc and 30pc respectively. Incidents of vehicle theft have declined by 6pc whereas burglary reduced by 41pc,” it added.

The police also cracked down on those possessing drugs and illegal weapons and recorded an increase of 47pc and 19pc in the recovery of illegal weapons and narcotics respectively.

In pursuance of directions of Inspector General of Police Mohammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan, the operations division has shown considerable improvement in the overall performance, it added.

During this period, 10 gangs of hardened criminals were busted and 867 suspects involved in various criminal activities, including crime against property, were arrested and valuables recovered.

Eight blind murders were traced, 75 car lifters arrested and stolen vehicles/motorcycles recovered, it said, adding 240 kg charas, 47kg heroin, 4kg opium, 41gm cocaine, 223g ice drug and 10,000 bottles of liquor were recovered during the campaigns.

Action against illicit arms resulted in the recovery of five hand grenades, 31 Kalashnikovs, 20 rifles, 543 pistols, 38 daggers and 11,000 bullets.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2020