ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has informed the National Assembly that the capital police have brought down the crime rate by 31pc in 2024 as compared to 2023 despite their engagements and responsibilities to maintain law and order and give security cover to visiting dignitaries and foreign diplomats residing in Islamabad.

Replying to a question of MNA Hameed Hussain, the interior minister said despite being preoccupied with special duties, including provision of security to foreign dignitaries and delegations, as well as the security of foreign diplomats residing in the capital, the police have maintained law and order in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

The police successfully managed more than 4,000 events, protests and law and order situations during the year from Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024.

A total of 7,907 cases of heinous crimes were reported within Islamabad from Sept 1, 2023 to Dec 10, 2023 as against 5,428 cases were reportedduring Sept 1, 2024 to Dec 10, 2024, indicating a reduction in crime rate.

Says despite being preoccupied with special duties, police maintained law, order

During Sep-Dec 2024, the heinous crime rate has decreased by 31pc as compared to the same period previous year.

The minister said the Islamabad police were committed to fulfilling their duties round the clock to apprehend criminals and foster a sense of security among the citizens.

Special attention is being focused on minimising crime rate through effective preventive measures and enhanced patrolling strategies, he said.

The minister further briefed the house about the steps taken by the capital police to improve the situation, including Crime Cluster Analysis, Data Base (survey of Kachi Abadies), Intelligence Based Policing, Combing/Search Operations, pickets for checking of suspicious elements, random checking of guest houses, hotels, motels, survey of rented accommodations, illegal settlements and seminaries.

Besides, surveillance of suspected elements, data proofing of released prisoners, dolphin duties round the clock, special duties through Ababeel force within ICT round the clock, police emergency response unit (PERU), 13 vehicles and Smart Mobiles (Smart Cars) 14 vehicles for patrolling and surprise checking.

Moreover, installation of iron gates for safety and security of Red Zone and important government installations, trail patrolling unit, mounted police unit, patrolling in F-9

Park, deployment of beat officers round the clock, provision of e-Police Post to enhance the checking mechanism of suspicious persons and vehicles, minority protection unit for protection of minorities and their worship places and night patrolling officer for prevention and detection of crime, surveillance and security enhancementthrough Safe City Cameras.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2025