ISLAMABAD: Crime rate in Islamabad decreased by 11 per cent last year compared to 2023, the National Assembly was told on Tuesday.

In response to a question by MNA Jamshaid Ahmad, Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi in a written reply stated that as per reports obtained from police stations through the zonal superintendents, a total of 9,406 cases of crime against property were reported in Islamabad in 2023. In contrast, the number of such cases stood at 8,470 in 2024, showing a reduction of 11pc.

However, crime data collated by Dawn from the capital police showed that the police had registered 11,271 cases of dacoities, robberies, snatchings, burglaries and auto-thefts in 2023 in which criminals looted, snatched or stole cash and valuables worth over Rs3.99 billion. Similarly, in 2024, the police registered 10,837 cases in which citizens lost cash and valuables worth over Rs4.79 billion to criminals.

According to the data, there was a decrease of 3.88pc in the criminal activities in 2024 compared to 2023. However, an increase of 20pc was seen in the worth of cash and valuables looted last year compared to 2023.

As per the minister’s reply, a total of 686 gangs, comprising 1,596 criminals, were busted in 2024 and stolen valuables worth Rs802 million recovered and handed over to the owners.

“A maximum response time of three to five minutes has been achieved for SOS calls made to Rescue 15 by the citizens. Furthermore, each police station has been organised into designated commercial and residential patrol beats. Alongside the mobile units provided to police stations, Dolphin Patrol, consisting of special motorcycle squads, is specifically tasked with patrolling the areas under their jurisdiction with a strong emphasis on preventing crime,” he added.

The minister claimed that Islamabad police were committed to fulfilling its 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.

“The police have initiated foot patrols in commercial and residential areas to promote community engagement in the prevention of street crime. The Dolphin Squads and Motorcycle Patrolling Units are actively deployed throughout commercial areas of Islamabad. Additionally, Dolphin/mobile patrolling units have been established to further enhance response capabilities.”

He said steps had been taken by the police for combating crime that included the identification of crime pockets, crime cluster analysis, intelligence-based policing, establishment of 16 points for checking of suspicious elements, checking of guesthouses, hotels and motels through Hotel Eye app, a survey of rented accommodation and illegal settlements and surveillance of suspected elements.

Besides data proofing of released prisoners, establishment of Dolphin Squad comprising 745 officers/officials and 201 motorcycles performing duties in two shifts round the clock, Ababeel Patrolling Squad of 63 officers/officials and 40 motorcycles were working round the clock.

Furthermore, the police have launched a computerised investigation process and proactive crime prevention besides identification of gangs, data-driven decision making and efficient resource allocations.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025