ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 12th Aug, 2026) Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police’s Anti-Vehicle Lifting Unit (AVLU) recovered 50 stolen vehicles worth Rs1.63 billion and apprehended 38 accused during the first eight months of 2026, with nearly half of the recoveries linked to vehicle theft cases dating back to previous years.
An ICT Police official told APP on Wednesday that the figures reflected intensified operations against organised vehicle-lifting networks and the use of modern technical resources and investigative methods to trace stolen vehicles.
Of the 50 recovered vehicles, 29 were stolen during 2026, while another 21 vehicles had been reported stolen in previous years, the official said.
During the same period, AVLU dismantled six active car-lifting gangs, apprehending 14 of their members allegedly involved in vehicle theft across the Federal capital.
The unit also apprehended eight proclaimed offenders and previously record-holding criminals wanted in connection with serious offences.
The official said AVLU teams employed modern technical resources alongside conventional investigation to trace suspects and recover vehicles, particularly those linked to older theft cases.
Beyond vehicle theft, AVLU teams also carried out operations against drug peddlers and illegal weapon holders. A significant quantity of ice and hashish was recovered during the operations, while pistols along with ammunition were seized from individuals allegedly possessing illegal weapons.
SSP Investigation Islamabad, Suleman Zafar, said protecting citizens’ valuable assets remained a top priority of Islamabad Police.
He said indiscriminate action against organised vehicle-lifting gangs and other criminal elements would continue, with all available resources being utilised to bring offenders to justice.
The SSP Suleman, said Islamabad Police would continue strengthening intelligence-led and technology-assisted operations to curb vehicle theft and protect citizens’ property across the federal capital.
/APP-rzr-mkz
