Wave of street crimes escalates in Islamabad as armed robbers loot millions

Islamabad:In a disturbing trend of rising street crimes, armed gangs continue to instill fear among citizens as back-to-back armed robberies shook the federal capital. Within 24 hours, two major heists were reported—one targeting a businessman for PKR 5 million and another where gunmen looted PKR 4 million from a private bank in Sector I-9 in broad daylight.

The latest robbery took place at the Bank, I-9 branch, where 6 gunmen stormed in, held the staff at gunpoint, and fled with cash. According to police sources, the criminals are believed to be Afghan nationals and habitual offenders, frequently exploiting legal loopholes to evade long-term punishment.

Following the robbery, SSP Operations, I-9 Circle In-charge, and SHO I-9, along with a heavy police contingent, rushed to the crime scene. CCTV footage has been obtained, and law enforcement agencies have launched an extensive operation to trace the culprits.

The latest heists reflect a broader crisis of unprecedented street crime in Islamabad, which has escalated sharply in recent months. Businessmen, banks, and ordinary citizens have increasingly become targets, with many incidents involving armed gangs. Reports suggest that organized criminal networks are exploiting the city's law enforcement gaps, carrying out brazen crimes with impunity.

Sources indicate that many repeat offenders take advantage of the judicial system, securing bail and resuming criminal activities. The rise in crime has created a sense of insecurity among residents, with traders and business communities demanding urgent action from authorities.

The Islamabad police have ramped up efforts to curb street crime, increasing patrols in high-risk areas. However, criminals continue to operate with alarming confidence. Law enforcement officials acknowledge that the involvement of foreign criminals—especially those repeatedly entering the country illegally—has made crime control even more challenging. The police have vowed strict action against those involved and have urged the judiciary to enforce stricter measures against repeat offenders. Meanwhile, citizens are calling for a comprehensive security strategy to protect businesses, financial institutions, and the general public.

The ongoing investigations into the latest crimes will determine whether Islamabad’s law enforcement agencies can effectively dismantle organised criminal networks or whether the capital remains vulnerable to a worsening law and order crisis.