Rawalpindi Grapples with Surge in Street Crimes and Traffic Mishaps

Strategic Insights -

Residents of Rawalpindi continue to face increasing concerns over street crimes, traffic accidents, and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Despite an overall decline in crime, key commercial and residential areas such as Raja Bazaar, Mandi Morh, and Saddar are plagued by mobile phone snatchings, vehicle thefts, and armed robberies. Organized gangs are suspected to be behind these incidents, while allegations of collusion between law enforcement personnel and criminals further exacerbate public frustration. Traffic safety remains a major concern, with over 17,500 road accidents recorded in 2024, resulting in 190 fatalities and thousands of injuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Street crimes, including mobile phone snatchings and armed robberies, have surged in key areas such as Raja Bazaar, Mandi Morh, and Saddar.
  • Organized gangs are suspected to be behind the majority of these incidents, with some attributed to kidnapping for ransom and theft.
  • Allegations of collusion between law enforcement personnel and criminals have been reported, leading to public frustration and distrust.
  • Traffic safety remains a significant concern, with over 17,500 road accidents recorded in 2024.
  • The city of Rawalpindi recorded 190 fatalities and thousands of injuries due to road accidents in 2024.
  • Speeding, reckless driving, one wheeling, and poor vehicle maintenance are cited as key contributing factors to traffic accidents.
  • The Rawalpindi Police have deployed a Women Safety Squad and are reviving the Safe City project to improve response and monitoring.
  • The Safe City project will be integrated with the city's traffic management system to enhance real-time monitoring and emergency response.

Statistics:

  • Over 17,500 road accidents were recorded in Rawalpindi in 2024.
  • 190 fatalities resulted from road accidents in 2024.
  • 1,427 traffic incidents were reported in January 2025 alone.
  • 71 thefts were reported on the Rawalpindi section of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service in 2024, with estimated losses exceeding Rs650,000.
  • The Rawalpindi Police have deployed a Women Safety Squad and are reviving the Safe City project.

Sources:

  • Mehdi Hasan, police source
  • Munir Hussain, senior police official ( anonym. )
  • Javed Ali, unnamed citizens
  • Shafqat Hasan
  • Hamid Zaidi, official figures
  • Zainab Bibi, Rawalpindi Police spokesperson