Islamabad – The capital city of Pakistan witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crimes in 2024, with 891 cases of kidnapping and 152 incidents of rape and sexual assault reported, according to police data shared with Dawn.
Kidnapping Cases Breakdown
Among the 891 abductions, victims included:
- 483 girls (primarily teenagers),
- 306 men and boys, and
- 150 women.
The crimes were spread across various police zones:
- 267 cases in Soan Zone,
- 214 cases in Saddar Zone,
- 204 cases in Rural Zone,
- 127 cases in City Zone, and
- 79 cases in Industrial Area Zone.
Specific offenses under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC):
- Five cases under Section 365-A (kidnapping for ransom): Four males and two females were abducted for extortion.
- 413 cases under Section 365B (kidnapping to compel marriage): All victims were girls.
- 249 cases under Section 365 (kidnapping for wrongful confinement): 242 males and 25 females were abducted.
- 60 cases under Section 364-A (kidnapping children under 14): 44 boys and 18 girls were targeted.
- Additional cases were reported under Sections 363, 364, and 496A for various forms of abduction involving women and children.
Rape and Sexual Assault Incidents
A total of 152 sexual assault cases were recorded:
- 77 girls and six women were victims of rape, with 69 girls and six women attacked in gang rapes or at gunpoint.
- 51 cases of rape were distributed across zones:
- Soan Zone: 51 cases,
- Saddar and Rural Zones: 34 cases each,
- City Zone: 18 cases,
- Industrial Area Zone: 15 cases.
Of these, 25 were gang rapes, and four were committed at gunpoint.
- 53 males/boys were also victims of sexual violence, and
- 23 cases of unnatural offenses targeted both boys and girls.
Corruption in Investigations
A notable case involved tampering with rape evidence at Margalla police station, where officers, along with a medical officer from PIMS, altered blood samples in a rape investigation. Following an inquiry, seven individuals, including police officials, were charged.
In another harrowing incident, a policeman abducted and sexually assaulted two minors. The crime, reported in September, also led to charges at Margalla police station.
Conclusion
The rise in these violent crimes highlights the need for urgent reforms in policing, investigation integrity, and victim protection. Enhanced oversight, specialized training, and stricter penalties for corrupt practices are critical to restoring public trust and ensuring justice.
