ISLAMABAD: The federal government is all set to introduce smart policing in a phased manner in Islamabad.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi to review the upgradation of Islamabad police stations at the Ministry of Interior on Saturday.

He ordered the upgradation of police stations in the federal capital on the pattern of smart police stations.

He said that the traditional police stations have become a symbol of fear, and citizens think multiple times before visiting these stations. He said that he has personally visited the police stations and witnessed the deplorable conditions.

Mr Naqvi emphasised that Islamabad was the face of Pakistan, and there was a need to make it a world-class city by immediately adopting smart policing. He said all possible resources will be provided for smart police stations. He said that well-mannered and educated police officers will be deployed at smart police stations. He ordered swift implementation of the plan, saying that a high-quality design at a low cost should be prepared for the upgradation.

The interior minister said that during the transformation police stations would be shifted in rented buildings.

He underscored that there would be no compromise on merit in police recruitment, and only young people who are fit, educated and meet the merit criteria would be selected. He stressed the need for a positive change in the behavior towards complainants.

The meeting was attended by Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, DIG Operations and other high officials.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024