Flawed probe leaves many cases pending

The performance of police investigation teams across 31 police stations in Rawalpindi district in submitting complete challans to courts has reportedly remained disappointing.

The system for presenting challans in accordance with legal requirements has yet to align with modern standards.

During the first two months of 2026 - January and February - a total of 6,198 cases were registered across the district. Of these, only 1,512 cases had complete challans submitted within the stipulated legal timeframe, while investigation teams failed to submit complete challans in 4,686 cases.

Police sources said that to mislead senior officers and show better performance, investigation teams often submit incomplete challans, delaying the final submission. As a result, even serious cases from 2025 - including murder, robbery, car theft, and rape - remain pending, with 1,812 challans still not submitted.

Among police stations, New Town registered the highest number of cases (526), followed by Sadiqabad (421) and Chaklala (403). The Women's Police Station registered only three cases during the two months.

Breakdown of cases shows: 34 murder cases (27 challans pending), 68 attempted murder cases (49 pending), 217 kidnapping cases (195 pending), 19 rape cases (10 pending), 214 robbery cases (153 pending), and 564 vehicle and motorcycle theft cases (476 pending). Similarly, 62 accident cases (49 pending) and 104 fraud cases involving millions of rupees (86 pending) were reported.

Police tend to quickly submit challans in minor, bailable offences such as gambling, vagrancy, liquor, and minor disputes, while serious cases remain pending. This delay allows accused persons in major crimes to obtain bail and abscond.

Court records show that from 2025, challans in 37 murder, 152 kidnapping, 12 rape, seven child abuse, 297 robbery/theft, and 274 vehicle theft cases are still pending.

Criminal lawyer Shan Zeb Khan, Advocate Supreme Court, said the current 14-day limit for submitting challans is insufficient and should be extended to 30–40 days to ensure completeness. He added that incomplete challans disrupt trials, as new submissions reset proceedings.

A sub-inspector said investigation officers are overburdened with multiple duties, including protocol, night shifts, and security assignments, which affect their ability to complete investigations.

He suggested separating the investigation system and improving forensic facilities, noting that lab reports from Lahore can take two to six months.

Experts stressed that without reforms in the investigation system, the timely submission of challans will remain impossible, benefiting habitual offenders in serious crimes.