Surge in street crimes in Islamabad: US issues 'security alert' to citizens

ISLAMABAD: The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs' has released a latest "security alert", warning the American citizens of increasing street crimes in Islamabad, which the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration described as an "intentional attempt" to malign the law and order situation in Islamabad.

The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a "security alert" informing the American citizens living in the capital that the number of crimes, including mugging, armed robberies and theft of mobile phones, purses and automobiles, had increased in the city.

The alert on its website stated the US Embassy had received reports about a recent hike in street crimes in Islamabad. Majority of such incidents took place in sectors, G-6, F-6, F-7, F-10, I-9, and I-10, the latest routine security alert stated, placed on the US Embassy's website.

"The US citizens are reminded that police response times to reported crime can vary. The US citizens travelling within these sectors and especially while visiting markets should exercise caution and remain alert," it said.

The embassy asked the US citizens to keep a low profile and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelleries or watches, and be vigilant, while visiting banks or ATMs.

"Moreover, be aware of surroundings and enrol in Safe Traveller Enrolment Programme (STEP) to receive security update," the alert said. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat turned to Twitter on Tuesday, and shared the latest data of three years of reduction in the crime rates in the federal capital, while refuting the claims made by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.

"Islamabad Police strongly refutes this. Profoundly exaggerated tweet...I am sharing the comparison of data of last three years. It appears there is an intentional attempt to malign the law and order situation in Islamabad. Everyone plz check the stats yourself and judge," the DC stated, while tweeting, over the "security alert", issued by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs via a tweet.

He stated that during the last three years different police stations of the city have registered 553 cases of different crime including dacoity, robbery, vehicle snatching, burglary and general theft in 2020, 1,165 in 2019, and 1,313 in 2018.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020