RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi police have claimed that crime rate has sharply declined in the district in the first four months of the current year.

A police spokesman said an 86pc decrease was recorded in robbery cases compared to the first four months of the previous year. This year, a 75pc decrease was recorded in blind murder cases, while murder cases decreased by 32pc compared to the same period last year.

During 21 police “encounters”, 14 suspects wanted by police were killed, while 19 robbers were arrested.

He said a 70pc decrease was recorded in robbery cases compared to the first four months of last year. Likewise, a 35pc decrease was noticed in street crime cases compared to the first four months of last year. A 70pc decrease was recorded in motorcycle snatching cases during the same period.

The spokesperson said a 100pc decrease was recorded in other vehicle snatching cases compared while vehicle snatching cases decreased by 40pc.

Likewise, kidnapping for ransom cases decreased by 50pc while cases of vehicle and motorcycle theft decreased by 54pc and 55pc, respectively.

A 100pc decrease in burglary cases was also recorded compared to the first four months of last year, while theft cases decreased by 25pc.

Moreover, 277 suspects belonging to 125 gangs were arrested. Police recovered 24 vehicles, 264 motorcycles, eight rickshaws, stolen gold jewellery and other items worth millions of rupees from the suspects.

The spokesman said the crime rate had gradually decreased from 2023 to 2026 and was at its lowest in 2026.

“During the anti-crime campaign, 14 dangerous and wanted robbers were killed in 21 police encounters, while 19 robbers were arrested during police encounters,” the spokesman said. City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani said the hard work of every officer and personnel of Rawalpindi police was behind the further reduction in the crime rate.

“Crime prevention is the first duty, which is being ensured at all costs. Rawalpindi police is committed to providing a peaceful and safe environment to citizens,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2026