KARACHI: Inspector General of Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon on Monday launched an app, Talash, to fight against street crimes and bring improvements in policing.

Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the Central Police Office, he hoped that the app, which can only be used via specific device, would become an ‘effective tool’ against crimes.

He said this device was being introduced in Karachi in the first phase and its scope would be expanded to other districts very soon.

“This Talash app would be utilised as an effective and best weapon against crimes and criminals,” he said.

IGP says scope of app will soon be expanded to other districts

He said that the Sindh police were increasingly relying on technology to curb crimes and purpose of this app was to improve investigation and elimination of crimes.

DIG-Information Technology Parvez Ahmed Chandio said Talash app was aimed at curbing street crimes.

He said the portable device technology would ensure identification of suspects during checking.

“Data of National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and other institutions can be accessed through Talash,” he said, adding: “The device already possesses data of 1.5 million criminals across Sindh.”

He said it also had record of policemen so that an imposter could be identified easily.

He said that the bodies of unidentified persons could be identified through their fingerprints by using the device. “Fake number plates and fake licences can also be checked while accused on bail can be traced through it.”

DIG Chandio later told Dawn that ‘Talash’ would become a ‘game changer’ in curbing crimes and improving the policing.

“Talash is a moving online investigation centre for monitoring police and checking suspects’ credentials during raids and combing operations,” he said, adding that there would be no need to bring ‘innocent’ person to a police station as his credential could be verified through ‘Talash’.

Initially, 50 such devices are being provided to police stations as training after completion of training of those officials who would use it.

The DIG said that data at the criminal record offices (CROs) of both Sindh and Punjab, Nadra, excise department, driving licence branches was included in Talash.

“Record of all mobile phones companies, record of all hotels and record of all registered domestic servants in Karachi is also available online on the Talash device,” he said.

“Now suspicious persons cannot hide their identity during snap-checking or raids,” said IT director Tabasum Abbasi. “Absconders of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot hide in Karachi anymore.”

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022