Rising crimes, traffic accidents raise alarms

Rawalpindi: Despite a reported overall decline in crime during 2024, residents of Rawalpindi continue to grapple with a surge in street crimes, traffic mishaps, and growing concerns over the effectiveness of law enforcement.

“Street crimes have remained rampant in key commercial and residential areas, including Raja Bazaar, Mandi Morh, Fazal Town, and Saddar. Mobile phone snatchings, vehicle thefts, and armed robberies have been reported with alarming frequency. According to police sources, a significant number of these incidents are being attributed to organized gangs comprising citizens involved in kidnapping for ransom and theft,” says Mehdi Hasan.

“We are monitoring certain networks operating in the city. Their movements and modus operandi point toward a level of coordination that’s hard to disrupt without inter-agency cooperation,” says Munir Hussain, a senior police official, requesting anonymity.

“Adding to public concern are allegations of collusion between some law enforcement personnel and criminal elements. Several citizens have voiced frustration over the difficulty in lodging First Information Reports (FIRs), citing bureaucratic delays and, in some cases, outright refusal,” says Javed Ali.

“Meanwhile, traffic safety remains another major concern for city dwellers. The city recorded over 17,500 road accidents in 2024 alone, resulting in 190 fatalities and thousands of injuries—most of them young individuals between the ages of 11 and 40. Speeding, reckless driving, one wheeling, and poor vehicle maintenance have been cited as key contributing factors,” says Shafqat Hasan.

“In January 2025, 19 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, with 1,427 incidents reported in that month alone. Areas such as Kutchery Chowk and Marrir Chowk frequently witness gridlock and rule violations, with public transport drivers flouting traffic norms in broad daylight,” adds Shafqat.

“Despite the availability of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance on the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service, commuters continue to face threats of theft and pickpocketing. According to official figures, 71 thefts were reported in the Rawalpindi section in 2024, with estimated losses exceeding Rs650,000. Victims include men, women, and the elderly,” says Hamid Zaidi.

“In response to the city’s rising safety challenges, the Rawalpindi Police have taken steps such as the deployment of a Women Safety Squad and the revival of the long-delayed Safe City project. Authorities have indicated that the project will soon be integrated with the city’s traffic management system to improve real-time monitoring and emergency response,” says Zainab Bibi.