ISLAMABAD: Capital police launched a crackdown on criminal elements and arrested 2,924 accused during the first four months of the ongoing year.

According to a press release, during the period, a total of 2,924 accused were arrested, including 1,668 proclaimed offenders with prior criminal records, who were allegedly involved in illegal arms possession and drug trafficking.

Additionally, 1,256 accused involved in illegal possession of weapons, display of arms, and drug dealing were also apprehended.

During indiscriminate operations against drug dealers, 538 accused were arrested, and 94kg of hashish, over 64 kg of heroin, 52kg of ice (crystal meth) and 2,342 bottles of liquor were recovered from their possession.

In the same period, 718 people accused of being involved in illegal arms possession were arrested. Weapons recovered from them included 608 pistols of various calibre, 47 rifles and guns, 34 Kalashnikovs, 57 daggers, and a large quantity of ammunition.

Police also arrested 1,668 proclaimed offenders involved in various criminal cases during the first four months of 2026.

DIG Islamabad Mohammad Jawad Tariq has reaffirmed the commitment to strictly implement a zero-tolerance policy to eliminate crime completely and ensure the safety and security of citizens.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Qazi Ali Raza visited the Tablighi Markaz and churches and reviewed their security arrangements. He directed officers to further strengthen security measures and ensure that all personnel perform their duties with vigilance and dedication.

On the occasion, he met with police officers and officials deployed on security duty and briefed them regarding their professional responsibilities.

SSP operations in Islamabad emphasised that all security arrangements should be made more effective and well-coordinated, and that officials must remain fully prepared to deal with any untoward incident.

He stressed that all officers and officials should remain alert and carry out their duties with utmost diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.

He further stated that the Islamabad police were fully committed to ensuring the protection of life and property of citizens in the federal capital, and no miscreant would be allowed to disturb the peace. The safety of citizens remained the top priority of Islamabad police.

Separately, in another development, police reunited a missing child with his family.

The Nilor police station team received information from a citizen that his child had gone missing and requested immediate assistance in locating him.

Upon receiving the information, police teams utilised all available technical and human resources and successfully traced the missing child, reunited him with his parents.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026