Rising street crimes spark concerns over police integrity

Islamabad : The alarming surge in street crimes has created unrest, fear, and panic, leading to a sense of insecurity among the residents of the metropolis.

The escalating wave of street crime in the twin-cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi is raising serious concerns among residents regarding the effectiveness and integrity of local law enforcement agencies. Despite increased incidents of theft, robbery, and assault, police action remains alarmingly inadequate, leading some to speculate about possible collusion between the police and criminal gangs.

Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are increasingly worried about their safety as street crimes, including vehicle theft, mobile snatching, and armed robberies, continue to rise. Even areas known for their security, have seen a surge in thefts. Other incidents, like mobile phone snatchings at busy stops such as Mandi Morh, highlight the daily risks faced by travellers.

In Rawalpindi alone, over 100 cases of street crime were reported within 24 hours, involving stolen vehicles, break-ins, mobile snatchings, and kidnappings. Despite a heavy police presence, these crimes have persisted, leaving citizens vulnerable and frustrated.

The apparent disinterest or inability of the police to effectively tackle these crimes has been met with growing criticism regarding police efficiency as well as their "crime-promoting behaviours." According to reports, the police seem to be overwhelmed or unwilling to act decisively against these criminal activities. This has led to a decline in public trust, with many residents feeling that law enforcement is either complicit or inadequately equipped to handle the crisis.

Residents of high crime areas suspect that certain police officials might be colluding with criminal gangs because the police of such areas deny registration of the first information reports (FIRs) about street crimes and avoid arresting the suspects nominated in their complaints. These suspicions are fuelled by the slow or non-existent response to crime reports and the lack of accountability for officers involved in such cases. Such allegations, if proven true, could explain the persistent crime wave despite the presence of police patrols and checkpoints.

The situation has reached a critical point where the safety and security of citizens are at stake, and urgent reforms are necessary to combat street crime effectively. Without decisive action, the cycle of crime and distrust is likely to continue, further eroding the social fabric of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The rising crime rates in Islamabad and Rawalpindi underscore the urgent need for police reform as well as to take action against the police officials who collaborate with the gangsters, causing the promotion of criminal activities in specific areas. As residents demand accountability and effective policing, authorities must prioritise transparency and justice to rebuild trust and ensure the safety of all citizens.

“The police have become incorrigible due to deteriorating ethical norms and an absolute non-professional approach towards their real duties to provide a peaceful and crime-free atmosphere for the public,” a victim visiting a police station expressed his deleterious opinion against the police, maintaining that it was impossible to manage registration of FIR without paying "ransom" for lodging a complaint against criminals or mentioning a strong reference. "Because of the unethical, non-professional attitude with corrupt practices, the police are the most annoying department amongst the public,” the victim concluded.