Armed robbers targeted a group of ten hikers on Islamabad’s Trail 7, stealing their valuables and briefly kidnapping one person for ransom before police intervention forced the suspects to flee.

The incident occurred on March 9 when the group was returning from a hiking and Iftar outing around 6:40 pm. According to police reports, the assailants intercepted the hikers, robbing them of cash and expensive mobile phones before taking one member, Umar Tariq, hostage and demanding Rs. 100,000 for his release.

Abdul Muqeet, who filed the complaint with Golra Sharif police, stated that the suspects communicated in both Punjabi and Urdu and could be identified if seen again.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abdul Qayyum told Independent Urdu that law enforcement responded swiftly after receiving the distress call. “The sound of approaching police sirens forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim and escape into the mountains,” he explained.

This is not an isolated incident on Trail 7, which has become notorious for similar crimes in recent years. Several robbery cases have been reported in the area, including incidents involving foreign tourists, raising serious concerns about visitor safety.

Despite previous measures to establish a dedicated police patrol for the Margalla trails, hikers report that law enforcement presence on Trail 7 remains minimal. The situation has sparked debate among local outdoor enthusiasts, with some suggesting that avoiding high-risk areas is the most practical solution, while others insist that authorities must enhance security measures to protect the public.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), which oversees the trails, has yet to comment on this latest security breach in one of Islamabad’s popular recreational areas.