ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police have said they foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescuing a foreign national and another individual from an alleged gang involved in multiple abductions and robberies across the city.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad, Muhammad Jawad Tariq, held a press conference and disclosed that eight members of the gang were apprehended during a series of intelligence-based operations.

DIG Tariq said the gang had impersonated government officials and abducted two individuals, including a foreign national, from the jurisdiction of Karachi Company police station on May 18. He said police teams acted swiftly and traced the accused to the Kirpa area, where a raid was carried out to recover the abductees. The suspects opened fire on the police team during the operation.

DIG Tariq stated that due to protective measures and the use of bulletproof vests, the police personnel remained unharmed and managed to arrest all eight gang members while safely recovering the abductees. Multiple cases were already registered against them at the Industrial Area, Aabpara, Karachi Company and Koral police stations, he said.

The police also reportedly recovered Rs3.8 million in cash, 16 mobile phones, 17 laptops and weapons with ammunition used in the crimes from the suspects’ possession.

During initial interrogation, the accused confessed to abducting and robbing citizens at gunpoint while posing as police officers.

DIG Tariq said the accused would be formally charged with concrete evidence and brought to justice.

He reiterated that the protection of the life and property of citizens remains the top priority and that Islamabad police are fully committed to maintaining law and order in the federal capital.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2025