Over the past three years, crime data collected from April 24, 2022, to April 24, 2025, provides a sobering insight into the law and order situation in the region. According to official records, a total of 4,455 criminal cases were registered during this period, with 7,259 individuals reportedly involved. Of these, 4,499 accused were arrested, while 2,718 remain at large—highlighting both the scale of criminal activity and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in apprehending offenders.
Murder cases under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code have remained persistently high, with a total of 600 cases registered over the three years. The number of accused involved in these murders was 2,064, with 1,063 arrested. However, more than 1,000 remain unaccounted for, reflecting significant gaps in the investigative and enforcement processes. Notably, the number of at-large suspects in 2024/2025 alone reached 683 out of 985 accused, an alarming figure that underlines a growing need for stronger operational responses.
Gang rape cases, though relatively lower in number, are still deeply concerning. A total of 63 such cases were reported, with 169 accused and 138 arrests. Even more alarming is that some of these cases remain untraced or under investigation. Zina-related crimes, including offenses under Sections 375, 376, and related laws, saw 2,013 cases over the three-year span, involving 1,275 accused and resulting in 805 arrests. With 470 individuals still at large and 175 cases under investigation, the statistics again reflect serious deficiencies in follow-through.
Kidnapping and abduction cases also show a troubling trend. Out of 875 registered cases, only 611 accused were arrested, while 277 remain on the run. In 2024/2025 alone, 309 cases were recorded, reflecting a rise compared to previous years. Furthermore, 100 cases are still under investigation—suggesting that justice for many victims remains pending.
Attempted murder cases under Section 324 of the PPC recorded the highest number of accused: 3,140 over the three years. Although 2,164 were arrested, nearly 1,000 remain at large. This category also had the highest number of cases under active investigation (89), reflecting the gravity of this crime type and the strain it places on judicial and police resources.
In aggregate terms, the grand total of untraced cases stands at 195, while 451 cases remain under investigation. Despite over 1,700 challans being submitted to the courts, only 164 have reached the final challan stage (512), and 1794 cases have been either cancelled or unresolved. These figures point to a systemic backlog in the criminal justice system that hinders swift and effective resolution of cases.
This comprehensive data set paints a stark picture of the criminal justice landscape. While law enforcement agencies have made significant arrests, the high number of suspects still at large and the volume of unresolved investigations suggest a pressing need for structural reforms. Strengthening investigation units, increasing accountability, and improving coordination between police and prosecution services are essential steps if the justice system is to function effectively and public confidence is to be restored.
