ISLAMABAD: The capital police arrested 23,928 suspects involved in various crimes in 2023, apprehended 6,614 members of criminal gangs in financial cases and recovered stolen valuables worth Rs2.49 billion, including 568 cars and 1,106 motorcycles.

The police said that 2,061 individuals involved in robbery were arrested, and more than Rs295 million in cash and valuables, including 31 cars and 163 motorcycles, were recovered from them.

Additionally, 1,947 individuals were arrested for illegal possession of weapons, confiscating 111 Kalashnikovs and rifles, 33 shotguns and carbines, 1,672 pistols, 128 knives and 8,541 rounds of ammunition.

Furthermore, 2,675 absconders and proclaimed offenders (POs) were brought under legal scrutiny.

“The establishment of specialised investigation units (SIU) greatly assisted in effectively investigating serious crimes. Moreover, courts made rulings on 35 murder cases in 2023, sentencing offenders to death in 20 cases and life imprisonment in 15 cases. This number of judgments in such cases was unprecedented before,” the police claimed.

Rs295 million cash and valuables, including 31 cars and 163 motorcycles, recovered

As many as 24,326 cases were registered in police stations across Islamabad during the year with the investigation department completing investigations in 20,148 cases while 4,178 cases are still under proceedings.

As per a statement issued by the police, following the directions of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, the police took measures to enhance the effectiveness of the operational division, streamline crime control, increase police station capabilities, ensure effective patrols, and prioritise public issue resolutions.

The steps included increasing the capacity of station police officers, establishing a court compliance unit and initiating an anti-robbery and dacoity unit (ARDU). Before 2022, there was no separate investigation system in the ICP.

Traffic police

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), during year 2023, took 887,849 actions against vehicles and motorcycles for traffic rules violations and legal actions were also taken against 1,151 individuals for severe violations. Moreover, ITP also issued 48,347 new driving licences.

As many as 1,587 driving licence were suspended while permits for 419 public transport vehicles were also revoked. Additionally, 17,420 cars and 38,000 motorcycles involved in severe violations were impounded.

Moreover, the ITP issued 48,347 new driving licences, renewed 20,375 upon expiry and issued 95,333 learner permits.

Furthermore, 10,930 duties were performed by traffic police officers and officials in various national and international delegations, assemblies and public order situations.

However, 32 officers were injured while performing their duties.

Other achievements in the year included the establishment of a new traffic headquarter at Faizabad, women driving centre, an increase in penalties for traffic laws violations, implementation of internationally recognised driving licence in two languages, integration of e-challan system with criminal record as well as a notification to concerned individuals before the expiration of a driving licences.

Published in Dawn, january 1st, 2024