Islamabad’s law enforcement shake-up

Islamabad:The federal capital’s law enforcement leadership has undergone another major shake-up as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Ali Raza has been removed from his position and transferred to the Security Division as DIG (Security). He has been replaced by DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq, a Grade-20 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP). Additionally, the newly inducted SSP Shuaib Khan (PSP) has been appointed as SSP (Operations).

While the official notification did not specify the reasons for DIG Raza’s removal, insiders suggest that his failure to curb the rising street crime and his inaction against illegally residing foreigners, particularly Afghan nationals, led to his replacement. According to a notification issued by the competent authorities, DIG Raza was relieved of his duties with immediate effect. Sources within the police department claim that two key factors contributed to his removal: the escalating crime rate in Islamabad and his lack of initiative in detaining undocumented Afghan nationals, who have been residing in the capital without legal status for an extended period.

A spokesperson for the Islamabad Police declined to disclose the reason for the outgoing DIG’s departure when contacted by this correspondent. Over the past few months, Islamabad has witnessed a sharp increase in street crimes, including armed robberies, mobile and vehicle snatching, and house break-ins. Despite directives from higher authorities, the police failed to implement effective measures to curb the worsening law and order situation.

Residents of Islamabad have repeatedly voiced concerns over the deteriorating security situation, criticizing the police for inefficiency. Several areas, particularly in the outskirts of the city, have become crime hotspots. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of visible policing and the absence of effective crackdowns on criminal networks.

In addition to tackling crime, the Islamabad Police have been tasked with identifying and deporting illegal Afghan nationals residing in the city without valid documentation. The federal government has issued strict directives to law enforcement agencies to take action against such individuals, citing security concerns.

However, sources claim that DIG Raza failed to demonstrate the necessary urgency in executing this crackdown. The authorities have prioritized the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals as part of a broader national policy, but the slow response from the police force has raised concerns among higher-ups. The removal of DIG Operations is part of a broader effort by the government to revamp Islamabad’s policing system. With mounting pressure from the public and security agencies, the authorities are expected to appoint a new officer with a clear mandate to restore law and order in the capital.

DIG Raza’s transfer follows a pattern of recent high-profile removals within law enforcement agencies, signaling the government’s strict stance against officers who fail to meet performance expectations. The administration has reiterated its commitment to making Islamabad a safer city by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on criminal activities and illegal immigration. With the new DIG Operations set to take charge, law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify their crackdown on crime and undocumented foreigners. Citizens remain hopeful that the change in leadership will lead to a more proactive policing strategy and an overall improvement in security.

However, some experts argue that structural reforms within the police force are necessary for long-term improvements rather than relying solely on leadership changes. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this reshuffle will lead to tangible improvements in Islamabad’s security situation.