Robber’s use of stolen police SMG raises alarms

Islamabad : A brazen robber linked to a series of recent high-profile heists in the capital is suspected of using a government-issued Small Machine Gun (SMG) obtained from the Islamabad Police, according to police sources. The robber's attacks have instilled fear among citizens and the business community as he targets banks and cash vans in broad daylight.

Investigations into the string of robberies revealed that the missing SMG, assigned to the Security Division’s arms section on October 19, 2024, may have fallen into the wrong hands. Police sources indicate that the SMG was issued to personnel from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) tasked with ensuring security during the recent England-Pakistan cricket test match. Ballistic analysis has matched shell casings from the robber’s weapon to the missing SMG, highlighting a severe security lapse within the police force.

In a disturbing twist, a man impersonating an SPU officer—complete with an Islamabad Police uniform and a nameplate reading "Dilawar"—reportedly acquired the SMG and a government-issued jacket under false pretenses. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ali Shair, who was overseeing the Security Division’s arms section at the time, allegedly handed over the weapon without proper verification. ASI Shair subsequently filed a complaint, attributing the incident to an unknown individual. However, some sources claim that the SMG was originally issued to an SPU constable from Gujar Khan, who has been missing since the incident, prompting a deeper investigation.

This incident has led to increased scrutiny of security procedures, with the Islamabad Police signalling potential disciplinary action against ASI Ali Shair for negligence. Amid rising crime rates, police operations are under strain, especially since the Head of Operations Division is reportedly on a private visit to the United States during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad, leaving full operational duties to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations.

The Islamabad Police have launched a citywide search to locate the missing weapon and apprehend the suspect while reinforcing security measures to prevent further incidents.

The urgent investigation began after an SMG rifle and police jacket were reportedly taken by an unidentified man impersonating a police officer. ASI Ali Shair, in charge of the Security Division, formally lodged the complaint at the Secretariat Police Station, emphasizing the gravity of the security breach.

The incident occurred on October 19, 2024, during security preparations for the England cricket team’s arrival. As SPU personnel were being equipped at the Route Headquarters, the impersonator approached security officials, dressed in an Islamabad Police uniform and wearing a nameplate that read ‘Dilawar,’ along with belt number 284. Claiming to be an SPU officer, he provided contact details and was issued an SMG rifle (number 2183, body number 4843472) and a police jacket.

However, subsequent verification revealed that the name, belt number, and contact details he provided were all falsified. The impersonator has since failed to return the SMG and jacket, raising concerns about the firearm’s potential use. ASI Ali Shair underscored the seriousness of the situation, calling for immediate legal action to prevent possible threats to public safety.

Islamabad Police are actively investigating the case, focusing on identifying the impersonator and recovering the stolen weapon and jacket. This security breach has raised urgent questions about protocols within the police force and the measures needed to prevent future incidents of this nature.