ISLAMABAD: During the first quarter of 2026, over 57,000 individuals were checked in an extensive security crackdown in Islamabad.

According to a police spokesperson, a total of 597 combing search operations were conducted under the supervision of SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza and the concerned zonal SPs.

Personnel from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), police stations, other law enforcement agencies and lady police also participated to ensure a more effective and comprehensive checking process.

During these search operations, 57,961 individuals and more than 25,000 households were checked, while 6,871 shops and 2,188 hotels were also inspected. Furthermore, 19,343 motorcycles and 6,884 vehicles were searched.

“During the operations, 3,383 suspicious individuals, including 362 illegally residing Afghan nationals, were detained and shifted to relevant police stations for further verification. Additionally, 109 vehicles and 1,751 motorcycles were taken into custody,” the spokesperson said.

Under the “Weapon-Free Islamabad” campaign, strict action was also taken against illegal arms holders. Weapons recovered from arrested individuals included 12 Kalashnikovs, four rifles, eight guns, 64 pistols of various calibers, six daggers, and a large cache of ammunition.

Similarly, under the ongoing “Nasha Ab Nahi” campaign, large-scale operations were carried out against drug traffickers across the federal capital. During the current year, 5kg of hashish, 6kg of heroin, 5kg of ice (methamphetamine), and 87 bottles of liquor were recovered.

IGP Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi stated that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the city was a top priority, and indiscriminate action against criminal elements and illegal activities would continue. He added that combing operations aimed to prevent crime and provide a safe environment for citizens.

He further said that the police were performing their duties with full professional commitment, and sustainable peace was only possible with public cooperation.

Security duty checks

While security has been heightened due to the second round of US-Iran talks, SP Judicial Protection Unit Iqbal Khan and SP Awan-i-Saddar/Parliament House Tahir Mehmood Khan visited various points to review security duties.

During the visit, the officers briefed police personnel about the nature of their duties and issued them instructions to remain alert and perform their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism.

They emphasised that all personnel must demonstrate maximum vigilance and a strong sense of responsibility while performing their duties.

Any negligence during security duty will not be tolerated, and officers must remain fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation.

The officers further directed personnel to keep a close watch on suspicious activities and immediately inform the relevant authorities in case of any unusual situation. They also stressed the importance of maintaining strong coordination and communication among all officers and personnel deployed on duty.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026