ICT Police detain 3,383 suspects, including illegal Afghan nationals

ISLAMABAD, Apr 19 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police carried out 597 combing operations in the first quarter of 2026, checking 57,961 individuals and over 25,000 households and detaining 3,383 suspects, including 362 illegally residing Afghan nationals, during an extensive security crackdown across the federal capital.

An official told APP on Sunday that the operations were conducted under the supervision of SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza and concerned zonal SPs.

He said personnel from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), police stations, other law enforcement agencies and lady police also participated to ensure effective and comprehensive checking.

The official said during the operations, 6,871 shops and 2,188 hotels were inspected, while 19,343 motorcycles and 6,884 vehicles were checked.

He said 109 vehicles and 1,751 motorcycles were also taken into custody for further verification.

Under the “Weapon-Free Islamabad” campaign, strict action was taken against illegal arms holders, leading to recovery of 12 Kalashnikovs, four rifles, eight guns, 64 pistols, six daggers and a large quantity of ammunition.

The official said under the “Nasha Ab Nahi” campaign, operations against drug traffickers resulted in recovery of five kilograms of hashish, six kilograms of heroin, five kilograms of ice (methamphetamine) and 87 bottles of liquor.

IGP Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said maintaining peace and law and order in the capital remained the top priority, adding that indiscriminate action against criminal elements would continue.

He said combing operations aimed at preventing crime and ensuring a safe environment for citizens.

The IGP urged the public to cooperate with police during checking and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the emergency helpline “Pucar-15.”