40 held in Islamabad for ‘prostitution’ under guise of dance parties, massage centres
ISLAMABAD: Police in the federal capital on Thursday launched a sweeping crackdown on alleged prostitution networks operating under the cover of dance parties and massage centres, detaining 40 individuals during a series of late-night raids. According to officials, teams from the Shalimar police station carried out coordinated operations across multiple residential apartments and commercial buildings after receiving intelligence regarding illegal activities being run under seemingly routine entertainment services.
Police confirmed that 21 women and 19 men were taken into custody during five separate raids. However, the key suspect, identified as Ali Malik, reportedly managed to escape moments before the police arrived. Authorities said he was allegedly running a network that used residential flats to organise secret gatherings where illegal activities were conducted under the pretext of dance events and massage services. Several of the detained women told investigators that they were receiving Rs4,000 per assignment from Malik to participate in the illicit operations, underscoring the structured nature of the alleged network.
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Officials said the suspects admitted during questioning that prostitution and related activities had been taking place for several months and that the ring frequently changed venues to evade detection. Police added that these gatherings were often advertised discreetly and targeted a selective clientele, prompting complaints from residents of surrounding neighbourhoods in recent weeks.
Cases have been registered against all 40 detainees at the Shalimar police station under relevant sections of the law, and further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the network, identify additional accomplices and trace the main suspect. Police officials said more raids were expected as part of an ongoing attempt to curb organised vice operations in the capital.
