ISLAMABAD: The prevalent law and order situation and terrorist activities can be regulated through vigorous and enhanced technology oriented policing (TOP) capabilities of law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

Moreover, internal functioning capabilities of the police as an institution is directly proportionate to the technological based back-up support. Enhancing such TOP not only aids in following best practices but also helps devise an explicit road map to deal with emerging challenges faced by police.

These views were expressed by speakers at the sixth annual conference of the Association of Former Inspectors General of Police (AFIGP) held at the National Police Academy Islamabad. The theme of the event was “Reform through technology oriented policing”. The conference was chaired by AFIGP President Iftikhar Rashid and Dil Jan Khan. .

The conference dilated upon the rampant global technological advancement and its specific impacts on policing in Pakistan. To conform with emerging phenomenon, almost all police organisations have realigned themselves with integration of technology and digitisation.

The focus of the conference was to evaluate different initiatives, proposals and developments primarily in the area of technology oriented policing and to solicit inputs for consideration of police leadership and policymakers.

AFIGP General Secretary Kamaluddin Tipu presented progress and activities report.

Akbar Nasir Khan briefed the participants on TOP which was followed by presentation on the role of technology in urban policing and the safe city projects of Punjab police by Asim Jasra. Superintendent of Police (SP) Arfanul Haq gave a presentation on development of platform for sharing of crime statistics and integration of criminal database. He urged to work on joint platform for creating and sharing digitised data of criminals and crime among all the law enforcement agencies.

SP Amna Baig gave a presentation on IT-based interventions in the Islamabad police. Ashraf Zubair Siddique shared practices of IT in the Federal Investigation Agency.

The AFIGP also held its general body meeting and annual elections of the executive committee. The following executive committee and office-bearers were elected unanimously: Afzal Ali Shigri, president; Shahid Nadeem Baloch, vice president, and Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, general secretary.

The executive committee members are: Kamaluddin Tipu, Dr Mujeebur Rehman Khan, Dr Naeem Khan and Tariq Masoon Yasin.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2022