Official weapons in Islamabad bank robberies spark security alarms

ISLAMABAD: The use of official weapons in the recent string of bank robberies in the federal capital has raised concerns regarding security breaches and police weapon handling practice.

According to police sources, a short machine gun (SMG) used in these heists had reportedly disappeared from the Secretariat Police Station. An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) issued it without verification to an unidentified impostor.

In just 36 hours, four bank robberies rattled Islamabad, pointing to a pattern. Police sources reveal the SMG with serial number 218 was picked up by a person posing as a policeman, bearing the name “Dilawar” on his uniform. He provided fabricated details, including a belt number (283) and an incorrect phone number, to secure the weapon.

Meanwhile, capital police have sealed several bank branches in Islamabad for non-compliance and violation of security SOPs.

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According to the SOPs, there is a ban on the posting of guards above 50 years of age and every bank must have three guards.

Many banks have deployed less than three guards who are also 50 years of age.

According to sources, the police immediately ordered to follow the SOPs otherwise action will also be taken against the bank management for violation.

Earlier this week, four banks in Islamabad were hit by robbers in broad daylight, leaving a passerby dead and a security guard injured during the shootings.

Three cases out of four incidents of bank robberies have been registered in different police stations of Islamabad.

According to report, four incidents of bank robberies occurred yesterday. The cases of three incidents were registered separately in Karachi Company Police Station, Sambhal Police Station and I Nine Police Station.

The case registered in Islamabad Sector G-9-4 includes serious provisions including murder and attempted murder.