Digitisation of capital police on the cards

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has called for digitisation of the capital police through innovations and cutting-edge training programmes under the “governance innovation lab” initiative.

The presided over a meeting on “Improving Community Policing in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) under the governance innovation lab initiative. Legal experts, civil society representatives, law enforcement officers and various stakeholders participated in the meeting to the future of policing in the capital.

Highlighting the indispensability of digital infrastructure, Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the need to appoint a chief technology officer to establish a robust digital framework within the police system. Drawing parallels with other sectors, the minister underscored the pivotal role of digital infrastructure in modern policing.

He said the artificial intelligence was poised to revolutionise prediction capabilities, helping to take proactive measures to ensure public safety.

Recognising the multifaceted nature of law enforcement, he stressed the significance of equipping the central police cadre with both policing skills and essential human skills. This holistic approach will empower officers to forge stronger connections with the community, fostering trust and cultivating a sense of collaboration between the police and the public, he said.

He said that these progressive reforms, designed with long-term national development in mind, will pave the way for a more efficient and effective policing system.

The forthcoming leadership training programme coupled with the establishment of digital infrastructure, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the emphasis on community policing, will strengthen the bond between the police and the public, he said adding that this unified approach will foster a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Islamabad, while also serving as an inspiration for law enforcement agencies nationwide.

He said that the government has granted approval for the national police hospital project in Islamabad and allocated Rs5.8 billion. He said the 100-bed hospital will be dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to approximately 12,000 men and women of the Islamabad police.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2023.