Islamabad ranks 83rd globally, police report major safety gains

The latest safety index placed Islamabad 83rd among 401 cities worldwide. The capital was ranked ahead of several major international cities, including London, Moscow, Toronto, Glasgow and Istanbul.

Islamabad police said the ranking reflects several steps taken to improve public safety and strengthen crime control. Officials also highlighted better investigation, specialised police units and technology-based monitoring.

Major improvement in crime control

According to Islamabad police, the capital recorded a 100 percent detection rate in homicide cases reported during the year. Police said all suspects involved in those cases were arrested.

Several high-profile investigations were also successfully completed. These included the murder case involving Group Captain Asim Tariq, the H-9 triple murder case and the murder of trader Amir Awan.

Police also listed the Sardar Faheem murder case and the Al-Falah Bank robbery case among major cases handled successfully. Authorities further reported the safe recovery of a foreign child as another important achievement.

Property crime also declined significantly in the capital. Police said such crimes fell by 27 percent in 2026 compared with 2025, with 1,499 fewer incidents recorded.

The decline covered several major categories of crime, including robbery, dacoity, murder and vehicle theft. Police presented the figures as evidence of improved crime prevention and enforcement across Islamabad.

Special units strengthen security response

Islamabad police have also expanded specialised units to deal with serious threats and emergencies. SWAT and Delta Force were established to provide faster and more specialised responses during high-risk situations.

The units are trained to handle terrorist threats, critical incidents and other dangerous situations. Their role is expected to improve the police response during emergencies requiring specialised skills.

A separate Margalla Trail Patrol Unit was also created for the protection of tourists and visitors. The unit includes mounted, foot and motorcycle patrol teams.

Police have also increased surveillance in busy commercial areas. City watchers and night patrolling officers were deployed to help prevent crime and improve security after dark.

The K-9 unit was established to help detect explosives and other dangerous materials. A Special Protection Unit was also created to provide security to Chinese nationals living in the federal capital.

Technology plays a bigger role

Technology has become another important part of Islamabad’s public safety strategy. Police said the Safe City Islamabad system has been upgraded with modern technology to improve surveillance and crime prevention.

The force has also introduced an AI-based hunch lab, a cybersecurity digital sophistication project and a virtual patrolling officer initiative. These systems are aimed at improving monitoring, intelligence gathering and the early detection of criminal activity.

Police stations are also being upgraded under the Special Initiative Police Station project. The aim is to provide more modern and citizen-friendly services to people visiting police stations.

A police service centre was established in the Diplomatic Enclave to provide priority services to embassies, diplomats and their staff. The Foreign Media Cell was also created to improve communication about police activities internationally.

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Arrests and wider enforcement operations

The police said their operations resulted in thousands of arrests during the year. A total of 1,144 suspects were arrested in cases linked to drug peddling.

More than 14,645 cases were registered during crime-control operations. Police also arrested over 887 court absconders, 1,595 habitual criminals and 944 proclaimed offenders.

Authorities further reported the arrest of 1,592 suspects linked to illegal weapons. Weapons were recovered from those arrested during different operations.

Another major development was the launch of an online women police station. The service is intended to make it easier for women to report complaints and seek police assistance without facing unnecessary difficulties.

The police complaint system has also been strengthened. Officials said the Inspector General Police complaint cell and helpline 1715 are now fully operational to help citizens receive quicker responses.

Security during major national events

Islamabad police also highlighted their role in maintaining security during major events. According to officials, the force provided security for four international conferences during the year.

Security arrangements were also made for 636 foreign and local delegations. Police additionally managed security for 191 VVIP movements, 682 protests and rallies and 636 other major events.

The force also provided security during 16 joint sessions of the National Assembly and Senate. Such duties required large-scale deployment and coordination between different police units.

Officials said these operations demonstrated the force’s ability to manage large gatherings while maintaining public order. The police said their focus remained on protecting citizens, visitors and important public institutions.