Crime still haunts Rawalpindi

While overall crime rates decline, property-related offences persist

RAWALPINDI:

As the year 2025 draws to a close, criminal activity continues to pose challenges in Rawalpindi, the twin city of the federal capital, Islamabad, and a major garrison city.

Under the command of City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani, Rawalpindi Police made significant efforts to improve performance across multiple areas; however, incidents of motorcycle snatching and theft, as well as murder, persisted throughout the year.

A review of serious crimes recorded in Rawalpindi during the current year shows that more than 37,000 criminal cases were registered overall. A total of 266 murder incidents were reported in connection with longstanding disputes and other causes, resulting in the deaths of over 275 individuals. Additionally, 10 people were killed during robbery incidents, while 23 cases of dacoity and five incidents of kidnapping for ransom were recorded.

During the year, 12 cases of car snatching, 360 incidents of motorcycle snatching, and more than 4,790 cases of motorcycle theft were reported. Furthermore, 235 vehicles were stolen, while 109 incidents involving the snatching or theft of other vehicles were also recorded. In addition to these, numerous burglary and theft cases deprived residents of valuable property.

Although a notable reduction in serious crime was recorded compared to previous years, incidents of motorcycle snatching, theft and murder continued to occur with troubling frequency.

In its year-end performance report, Rawalpindi Police stated that due to an effective policing strategy, a significant decline in crime rates was recorded in 2025. Dacoity-cum-murder cases decreased by 52 per cent, kidnapping for ransom by 40 per cent, robbery incidents by 34 per cent, and vehicle snatching by 54 per cent.

According to police officials, under the supervision of CPO Hamdani, Rawalpindi Police achieved complete control over car snatching during the final three months of the year. Incidents of other vehicle snatching declined by 85 per cent, motorcycle snatching by 33 per cent, while cases of car and motorcycle theft fell by 45 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. A 29 per cent reduction in blind murders was recorded, along with a six per cent overall decrease in murder cases.

During the year, courts awarded convictions in 55 murder cases, sentencing 81 accused, including 40 to death and 34 to life imprisonment.

Police officials further stated that, according to emergency call data, reports of property-related crime declined by 28 per cent compared to the previous year. Overall, 1,121 suspects belonging to 452 criminal gangs were arrested, leading to the recovery of stolen property worth over Rs440 million, along with 89 stolen cars and approximately 1,500 motorcycles.

In the campaign against narcotics, Rawalpindi Police arrested 2,417 drug dealers, seizing drugs worth over Rs 650m, including nearly 42 maunds of hashish, over 31 kilograms of heroin, more than 27 kilograms of ice (crystal meth), over two kilograms of opium, and more than 20,000 litres of liquor. Courts handed down sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years to 219 convicted drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, in operations against illegal weapons, Rawalpindi Police registered 1,472 cases, arrested 1,514 suspects, and recovered 46 Kalashnikov rifles, over 1,295 pistols, 86 rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

CPO Khalid Hamdani said that Rawalpindi Police ensured foolproof security for national and international cricket events during the year. He added that the continued decline in crime was the result of the tireless efforts of every officer and constable.

"The prevention of crime remains our foremost priority, and we will ensure it under all circumstances," the CPO said, adding that Rawalpindi Police remain fully committed to providing citizens with a peaceful and secure environment at all times.