Capital sees 11% drop in crime against property, NA told

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital has recorded an 11 per cent reduction in the crime rate, with 8,470 cases of crime against property reported in 2024, compared to 9,406 cases in 2023.

The interior ministry presented details of crime rate in the federal capital over the last two years in the National Assembly. In a written reply to a question of Jamshed Ahmed, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi stated that as per reports obtained from police stations of Islamabad through Zonal Superintendents of Police, during the year 2023, total 9,406 cases of crime against property were reported at various police stations within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). In contrast, he added, during the year 2024, 8,470 cases were reported for the same period, indicating 11 per cent reduction in crime rate as compared to the previous year, 2023.

It was stated that total 686 active gangs comprising 1,596 gang members were arrested during the year 2024; total Rs. 802.6 million (Rs. 802,633,491/-) stolen properties recovered during the year 2024 were handed over to owners.

A maximum response time of 3 to 5 minutes has been achieved for SOS calls made to Rescue -15 by the citizens of Islamabad requesting police assistance. Furthermore, each police station has been organised into designated commercial and residential patrol beats.

Alongside the mobile units provided to police stations, the Dolphin Patrol, consisting of special motorcycle squads, is specifically tasked with patrolling the areas under their jurisdiction, with a strong emphasis on preventing crime.

Islamabad Capital territory Police is committed to fulfilling its duties round the clock to apprehend criminals and foster a sense of security among the citizens of Islamabad. Special attention is being focused on minimising crime rate through effective preventive measures and enhanced patrolling strategies.

The ICT Police has initiated foot patrols in commercial and residential areas to promote community engagement for the prevention of street crimes.

T he dolphin squads and motorcycle patrolling units are actively deployed throughout commercial areas of Islamabad. Additionally, dolphin/mobile patrolling units have been established to further enhance response capabilities.

Furthermore, during the year 2024, the crime rate has decreased by 11 per cent as compared to the previous year, 2023.

Currently, 3159 CCTV cameras of Safe City, Islamabad have been installed at key locations in Islamabad. These cameras include PTZ, ANPR and Fix Cameras that cover approximately 35 per cent of critical areas of ICT including Red Zone, all major entry and exist points, marketplaces, high-traffic roads and other significant public spaces through continuous 24/7 digital surveillance.

Furthermore, PC-I for expansion of the Safe City is in process by ICT Police that will enable Safe City, Islamabad to carry out 100 per cent surveillance of ICT.

It was told to the National Assembly in a written reply that the Islamabad police have implemented several initiatives to enhance patrolling efficiency and public safety through scientific methods that includes: Hotspot identification and deployment of force in the hotspot areas for security and prevention of crimes; tracing and tracking of accused and suspicious activities through the specialised LAB; total of 5000 CDRs of suspicious persons were analysed during the year 2024; geo-fencing in about 128 cases conducted and data was analysed to arrest the accused persons; following are the deployment made in those hotspots accordingly after close coordination with Zonal Superintendents of Police.