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After police reforms, Islamabad ranked 83rd among 401 cities globally in public safety

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27pc decline in property crime; major criminal cases resolved with 100pc murder case detection

Staff Reporter

A series of significant reforms and modern policing initiatives aimed at improving public safetyhas yielded a breakthrough in strengthening operational capacity, and enhancing service delivery in the federal capital.

According to Numbeo’s latest World Safety Index, Islamabad ranked 83rd among 401 cities worldwide, ahead of major cities including London, Moscow, Toronto, Glasgow, and Istanbul.

A press releases issued hrre Tuesday stated that
under the IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reform agenda, Islamabad Police achieved a 27pc reduction in property crime in 2026 compared to 2025, with 1,499 fewer incidents reported. Significant declines were recorded in major crimes, including robbery, dacoity, murder, and vehicle theft.

During the current year, Islamabad Police achieved a 100% detection rate in homicide cases reported in the capital, apprehending all accused involved. Major cases successfully resolved include the Group Captain Asim Tariq murder case, H-9 triple murder case, trader Amir Awan murder case, Sardar Faheem murder case, Al-Falah bank robbery case, and the safe recovery of a foreign child. These achievements demonstrate Islamabad Police commitment to professional investigation, effective policing, and bringing offenders to justice.

Modern resources and operational capabilities were provided to the Operations division to strengthen crime prevention and public safety. The capacity of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Anti-Riot Unit (ARU) was enhanced, while Command and Control Centers were established at Safe City and CTD. The Special branch was reorganized, the Capital Patrol Unit was revamped, an effective checkpoint system was introduced, and specialized commandos were deployed in the Red Zone.

Islamabad Police also established SWAT and Delta Force as specialized units to strengthen counter-terrorism and emergency response capabilities. These highly trained units are equipped to respond to high risk situations, counter terrorist threats, manage critical incidents, and provide rapid and specialized support during major security operations.

Their establishment has further enhanced the force operational readiness and ability to respond effectively to evolving security challenges. To enhance the safety of tourists and visitors, a dedicated Margalla Trail Patrol Unit comprising mounted, foot, and motorcycle squads was established.

City Watchers and Night Patrolling Officers were deployed in commercial areas to strengthen public security and prevent crime. The K-9 Unit was established to detect explosives and other hazardous materials, while a Special Protection Unit (SPU) was formed to ensure the security of Chinese nationals residing in the federal capital.

Under the Special Initiative Police Station (SIPS) project, police stations across Islamabad are being renovated and upgraded to promote modern, citizen-friendly policing. To facilitate prompt access to police services and immediate registration of FIRs, the Police Station on Wheels initiative was also launched.

The CASCADE police service center was established in the Diplomatic Enclave to provide priority police services to embassies, diplomats, and their staff. A Foreign Media Cell was also established to effectively communicate the Islamabad Police narrative internationally and strengthen the force’s global image.

The Safe City Islamabad Project was upgraded with modern technologies to further strengthen surveillance, crime prevention, and law and order management. To bridge the gap between police and the public and promote greater awareness of policing initiatives, the Friend of Police internship program was launched, engaging university students with Islamabad Police.

With the integration of AI-based Hunch Lab, the Cyber Security Digital Sophistication Project, and the Virtual Patrolling Officer initiative, Islamabad Police further strengthened its monitoring, intelligence, and crime prevention capabilities.

Under the anti-narcotics movement “Nasha Ab Nahi,” 1144 accused were arrested and huge cache of narcotics were recovered. During crime control operations, more than 14,645 cases were registered, while over 887 court absconders, 1,595 habitual criminals, and 944 proclaimed offenders were apprehended.

Islamabad Police also launched the “Weapon-Free Islamabad” campaign to curb the illegal possession, display, and misuse of weapons and enhance public safety. Under the campaign, 1,592 accused involved in illegal weapon possession were arrested, with strict legal action taken against violators. Public awareness initiatives were also conducted, encouraging citizens to comply with the law and register their licensed weapons with the concerned police stations.

As part of its public-centric and women empowerment initiatives, Islamabad Police launched the ITP Uraan Scooter and Motor Riding School to promote safe, confident, and independent mobility for women. The initiative provides professional training in car, motorcycle, and scooter riding through modern driving tracks and practical training conducted by female instructors. Women who successfully complete the training are also awarded certificates, making the initiative an important step toward enhancing women’s mobility, confidence, and practical skills.

To improve the traffic management system and facilitate citizens, initiatives including ITP Facilitation on Wheels for senior citizens and students, the traffic education complex, and emergency travel assistance services were introduced.

For the protection and empowerment of women, the Online Women Police Station was launched. Meanwhile, the IGP Complaint Cell and Helpline-1715 were made fully operational to facilitate the prompt resolution of citizens complaints.

To strengthen police-public relations, various community oriented initiatives, including Summer School, Self-Defense courses, and the Community Horse Riding Club, continued throughout the year.

For the welfare of police officers and staff, comprehensive initiatives were undertaken, including the establishment of orderly room sessions, the Health and Sports Gala, and MoUs with various institutions to provide quality medical, educational, and other welfare services.

To enhance professional capabilities, specialized courses and workshops were conducted at the Capital Police College (CPC), focusing on modern policing skills, professional development, and capacity building.

Throughout the year, Islamabad Police demonstrated its operational capabilities by providing foolproof security for four international conferences, 636 foreign and local delegations, 191 VVIP movements, 682 protests and rallies, 636 other major events, and 16 National Assembly, and Senate joint sessions.

As part of the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s “Go Green” initiative, Islamabad Police incorporated environmentally friendly electric vehicles into its police transport and patrolling fleet, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif handing over the keys of the electric vehicles. The initiative aims to modernize and strengthen the patrolling system while ensuring more efficient public service delivery. The use of electric vehicles will help reduce fuel consumption, operational costs, and environmental pollution, further supporting Islamabad Police’s commitment to sustainable and environment-friendly policing.

These achievements reflect Islamabad Police’s continued commitment to professional policing, innovation, public service, crime prevention, and the protection of citizens’ lives and property. The reforms and initiatives undertaken during this period have not only strengthened security in the federal capital but also provide a model of modern, citizen-centric policing for other police forces across the country.