CM Murad announces tech upgrades in Sindh Police

Details wide-ranging reforms in police structure while addressing Pakistan Navy Staff Course participants

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced wide-ranging reforms and technological upgrades in the Sindh Police, saying that it currently comprises 162,000 personnel and operates 618 police stations across 31 districts. The force has an annual budget of approximately Rs190 billion.

Shah said this while addressing officers of the Pakistan Navy’s 55th Pakistan Navy (PN) Staff Course and 23rd Correspondence Staff Course on Thursday. The Pakistan Navy officers were led by Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Commandant of the Pakistan Navy War College and Commander Central Punjab.

The ceremony was held at the Chief Minister's (CM) House and was attended by provincial ministers, Ghulam Nabi Memon, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and provincial secretaries.

The CM added that the force is being modernised across its structure, operations and welfare domains in terms of renovation and upgrading of police stations, along with greater financial autonomy. Station House Officers (SHOs) and investigation officers have been granted Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers, which allow them greater autonomy in managing finances, streamlining operational capacity.

Shah said the police station record management system has been linked with the forensic DNA chemical and judicial systems, allowing judges to monitor case progress online. He elaborated on the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S-4), a digitisation mechanism for improving the law and order situation.

Read: Sindh launches S-4 Smart Surveillance System with facial recognition

The S-4 Surveillance and the Police Health Insurance Scheme at the CPO Karachi were introduced in June 2024. Shah described S-4 as an initiative that will effectively monitor all entry and exit points of the city using modern technology, aiding in crime reduction. He assured that safety measures for the Safe City project would be implemented.

The CM approved Rs1.567 billion in funds for the purchase of camera systems from NRTC. He noted that modern cameras had been installed at 40 toll plazas in Sindh, including 18 in Karachi. A central control room and fusion system were established at the CPO Data Centre for real-time alerts and monitoring.