[CRIME DIARY] Afghans’ role in rising crime rates in twin-cities: A growing concern

Islamabad : The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are experiencing a surge in criminal activities, with increasing cases of kidnappings, sexual assaults, robberies, and street crimes.

Islamabad, previously considered one of the safest cities in Pakistan, has seen a significant rise in crime rates. In 2024 alone, over 900 people were abducted, including women and children, while 152 cases of sexual assault or molestation were reported. Disturbingly, nearly 891 kidnapping cases were officially registered, with incidents involving extortion, ransom demands, forced marriages, and wrongful confinement. The most affected areas include Soan, Saddar, Rural, City, and industrial zones .

Residents have expressed growing concerns about their safety. Many women and young girls now avoid venturing out alone due to fears of abduction and harassment. Alarmingly, some cases even involve law enforcement officers implicated in crimes such as evidence tampering and sexual abuse .

Similarly, in Rawalpindi, street crimes, thefts, and armed robberies have become more frequent. Economic instability, rising unemployment, and inflation are major factors contributing to this rise. Reports suggest that financial distress is driving some individuals towards criminal activities as a means of survival

Local courts are also handling an increasing number of missing person cases, often linked to enforced disappearances. The issue has raised concerns about law enforcement agencies' ability to maintain security and uphold human rights

To combat this rising crime wave, authorities need to implement community policing, enhance surveillance, and introduce social programs that address economic hardships. Increased patrolling and crime-prevention initiatives, such as vocational training and job placement programs, could also help mitigate the situation

With crime rates spiralling out of control, the government and law enforcement agencies must take immediate and effective steps to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of residents in both cities.

The rise in iPhone snatching and overall mobile phone theft in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has become an alarming issue, with reports suggesting that more than 1,000 phones are snatched daily in these twin cities. Criminal networks have shifted their focus to this lucrative illegal trade, surpassing other crimes like drug trafficking and car theft.

According to sources, snatched iPhones and other high-end smartphones are often smuggled to Afghanistan through the Torkham border, where their IMEI numbers are changed to make them untraceable. These gangs operate with precision, often targeting pedestrians and riders in busy commercial areas. Many victims report that police are reluctant to register First Information Reports (FIRs), reflecting a lack of serious enforcement efforts against this growing crime trend

Meanwhile, Islamabad has seen a general rise in criminal activity, with over 22,000 reported incidents in 2024, including 1,770 robberies, 163 murders, and numerous car and motorcycle thefts. Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in controlling crime, with calls for modern surveillance measures and improved crime prevention strategies . The increase in mobile phone snatching is part of a broader crime wave affecting the region. Authorities must adopt stricter policies, enhance surveillance, and crack down on organized criminal networks to curb this menace effectively.

Afghan gangs have become a significant challenge for law enforcement in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas such as Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These gangs are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, hired killings, armed robberies, and smuggling. Their operations have contributed to an alarming rise in organized crime, posing a serious threat to public safety and national security. According to reports, Afghan criminal networks have expanded their influence in Pakistan, exploiting porous borders and weak enforcement mechanisms. Many of these gangs are deeply involved in illicit trade, including drug trafficking and smuggling, which serve as major sources of funding.

Additionally, Afghan gangs have been linked to violent crimes in Pakistan. Their involvement in targeted killings and kidnappings for ransom has instilled fear among citizens, especially in major cities. Authorities have been struggling to curb these activities due to the sophisticated and often concealed nature of these criminal networks. A recent crackdown on such elements has led to several arrests, but the problem persists.

The growing influence of Afghan criminals has placed immense pressure on law enforcement agencies, which face challenges in tracking and prosecuting these criminals effectively. Corruption and weak border control mechanisms further exacerbate the issue, allowing smuggled goods and illegal arms to circulate freely.

Recent reports indicate that Afghan gangs are playing a significant role in various criminal activities across Pakistan, particularly in cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi. According to intelligence sources, these gangs are involved in a wide range of crimes, including terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, armed robberies, carjacking, mobile snatching, drug smuggling, and other organized crimes

The Pakistani authorities have raised concerns over the increasing influence of Afghan criminal networks, which allegedly operate from across the border in Afghanistan. These gangs are reportedly supplying criminals to terrorist outfits and land-grabbing mafias, exacerbating the law-and-order situation in major urban centres . As crime rates continue to rise, authorities are intensifying their efforts to curb these activities. Law enforcement agencies are working to dismantle Afghan-led criminal networks, but the situation remains challenging due to the cross-border nature of these operations.