Islamabad authorities have tightened security around banks by deploying police and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel citywide following a wave of violent robberies.
The uptick in robberies began earlier this week, with an armed assailant committing five heists on October 28 and 29. The gunman, armed with an SMG, targeted guards transporting cash, resulting in multiple injuries and the tragic death of a restaurant worker.
Targeted attacks and casualties in G-9 and G-14 sectors
Two major robberies in the G-9 and G-14 sectors on October 29 spurred law enforcement into immediate action.
In G-9/4, outside a National Bank branch, the gunman, disguised with a helmet and waiting on a motorcycle, attacked a guard carrying cash. The guard was fatally shot, and while another guard attempted to retaliate, the assailant injured five more individuals nearby, including three restaurant employees. One of the injured employees, Mir Haider, later died from his wounds.
A second robbery took place shortly after in G-14/4, following a similar pattern. The assailant struck as cash bags were being loaded into a van, injuring a guard and escaping with the stolen money. Police investigations suggest that the same gunman may be responsible for all five recent robberies.
Increased surveillance and protective measures
In response, Islamabad police have established additional checkpoints, with a particular focus on high-risk areas like the G-9 center. Authorities have increased inspections of helmeted individuals on motorcycles and are conducting bag searches for any suspicious persons. Enhanced police presence has also been stationed at key locations, including Zero Point.
To improve security, banks have been advised to rotate security personnel regularly. A murder case has been filed at the Karachi Company police station following the fatal shooting of a citizen during one of these robberies, highlighting the serious implications of the recent violence.