Unabated robberies put police’s competence to test

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Robbery, theft, burglary, street crimes and other such cases were not uncommon in capital territory, but the latest burglary at the farmhouse of former Senate Chairman Wasim Sajjad has put a big question mark on the performance of Islamabad Police.

It seems that the capital police have buried their head in the sand while several areas in the capital including Shezad Town and Koral have turned into dens for criminals and robbers, who carry out their activities with impunity.

According to sources, around 270 hardcore criminals and offenders roam the streets of Zia Masjid, Khanna, Iqbal Town, Madina Town and other areas. The police have stopped patrolling these areas and have left the public at the mercy of these criminals.

Shopkeepers and vendors in these areas claim that the Shahzad Town Police Station Head constable Azkar, ASI Muhammad Afzal, SI Shaukat Ali and ASI Muhammad Niaz were protecting criminals and extortionists. They said that these police officials also collect extortion money from them at the end of every month.

According to sources, the only vehicle for patrol duty is often used for the security protocol duty of senior police officials and criminals take advantage of police absence.

Shopkeeper at the Khanna area alleged that ASI Sajid Mehmood and Head constable Rana Saleem do nothing except collect extortion money from them. They said that many complaints against these police officials have been lodged with the higher-ups but to no avail.

In January, robbers also barged into the house of DG NADRA Muhammad Ashfaq that is within the Shahzad Town police jurisdiction, before taking off with jewellery, a laptop, and other valuables. The robbers had held hostages at gunpoint.

However, no arrests or recoveries have been made in the case.

Thought Islamabad IG Tahir Alam Khan and other top officials reached Wasim Sajjad’s house soon after robbers made away with Rs. 20 million in cash, jewellery, and other valuables, in general the police actually discourages people from coming forward to lodge FIR’s against crime in the city so that their performance record can be kept clean.

When AIG Sultan Azam Taimuri was contacted for his version of events his personal assistant said that he was busy in a meeting related to security.