Islamabad ranks 83rd globally in public safety

ISLAMABAD: The latest safety index ranked Islamabad 83rd among 401 cities worldwide, ahead of major cities including London, Moscow, Toronto, Glasgow, and Istanbul, the capital police said on Tuesday. The police said that this year, Islamabad police achieved a 100 per cent detection rate in homicide cases reported in the city, 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. Besides, a 27pc reduction in property crime was also recorded in the capital 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. Islamabad police also established SWAT and Delta Force as specialised 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 specialised support during major security operations. A dedicated Margalla Trail Patrol Unit comprising mounted, foot, and motorcycle squads was established to enhance the safety of tourists and visitors. 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. 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 was upgraded with modern technologies to further strengthen surveillance, crime prevention, and law and order management. With the integration of an AI-based hunch lab, the cybersecurity digital sophistication project, and the virtual patrolling officer initiative, Islamabad police further strengthened its monitoring, intelligence, and crime prevention capabilities. The police also arrested 1, 144 suspects in connection with drug peddling. In crime control operations, more than 14, 645 cases were registered, over 887 court absconders, 1, 595 habitual criminals, and 944 proclaimed offenders were apprehended. The police also arrested 1, 592 suspects and recovered illegal weapons from them. An online women police station was also launched. Meanwhile, the IGP complaint cell and helpline-1715 were made fully operational to facilitate the prompt resolution of citizens’ complaints. 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. Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2026

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