New Islamabad crime figures released on Saturday show that 4,500 citizens lost more than Rs3 billion to criminals in the federal capital this year.
The data, compiled by the Islamabad police for 2026, lays out the scale of losses suffered by residents across the city. DIG operations said police had arrested criminals and recovered valuables from them, though the figures point to a heavy toll on victims.
What the Islamabad crime figures show
The police data puts the number of victims at 4,500 and the value of looted cash and property at over Rs3 billion. The figures cover cases reported in the capital from January through this month.
Police performance data released earlier this year broke the capital’s cases into categories including robbery, street robbery, mobile snatching, car theft and motorcycle theft, The News reported in May.
The scale of the reported losses stands out against earlier police claims of falling crime. In the first four months of 2026, police had reported a 36 per cent reduction in overall crime, the dismantling of 192 criminal gangs, and the recovery of stolen property worth over Rs120 million.
Separately, the FBR unearthed Rs9.41 billion in wealth fraud earlier this month, registering a money laundering case in what officials described as one of the largest recent financial frauds.
DIG operations cites arrests and recoveries
DIG operations told Dawn that police had arrested criminals and recovered valuables from them. The statement stopped short of giving the number of arrests or the value of the recovered property.
The police leadership has repeatedly credited intelligence-based operations and the Safe City surveillance network for improved detection of suspects. Officials say the expanded camera network now covers nearly the entire capital region.
Courts continue to keep a close eye on how police build and present evidence in criminal cases. In a recent ruling, the Peshawar High Court set aside a police inspector’s 10-year sentence in a fabricated evidence case.
Safety concerns in the federal capital
For residents, the figures are a reminder that street crime remains a daily risk in the capital. Citizens have been advised to stay alert in crowded markets and on the roads, where snatching incidents are most often reported.
Financial fraud is a growing part of the problem. Residents can read how to protect their money from online banking fraud as scammers increasingly target mobile banking users.
Police say citizens should report crimes at once so cases can be traced while the trail is fresh. Punjab has recently expanded FIR registration services through mobile police stations, and Islamabad police operate their own helplines and reporting channels. The figures were first reported in Dawn’s Pakistan coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How many citizens were affected by crime in Islamabad this year?
Police data for 2026 shows 4,500 citizens lost more than Rs3 billion to criminals in the federal capital, according to figures released on Saturday.
What kinds of crime were most common?
Earlier police data broke cases into robbery, street robbery, mobile snatching, car theft and motorcycle theft. These remain the most commonly reported offences in the capital.
What do police say they recovered?
DIG operations said police arrested criminals and recovered valuables from them. Earlier this year, police reported recovering stolen property worth over Rs120 million in the first four months of 2026.
Where can victims report a crime in Islamabad?
Citizens can report crimes at their nearest police station or through the police helpline. Prompt reporting helps investigators trace suspects while the trail is fresh.
How can residents protect themselves from fraud?
Avoid sharing bank details or one-time passwords with unknown callers, use official banking apps, and verify payment requests independently. Cases of online fraud should be reported to the police or the cybercrime agency at once.
