RAWALPINDI: A five-member delegation of Interpol’s Integrated Border Management Task Force (IBMTF) is currently visiting Pakistan to evaluate the training needs of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other law enforcement agencies in order to strengthen border management.

The delegation arrived in Islamabad on April 26 and during its stay in the capital till April 30, its members are expected to visit Rawalpindi and hold a meeting with City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani on Wednesday.

“Yes, a five-member Interpol team is currently visiting Islamabad to assess the training needs of law enforcement officials to strengthen border management,” said a senior official.

The team is visiting Pakistan in connection with a need assessment mission under Project Hisar (formerly operational support in response to emerging cross border threats).”

The project aims to support Pakistan in strengthening its border management systems and enhancing capacity to counter transnational organised crime, including firearms trafficking.

The delegation will undertake a series of engagements with FIA’s NCB Interpol Islamabad and other relevant stakeholders to assess existing technical and operational capabilities, said the official.

During their meetings with the senior police officials, the Interpol team will discuss and review the Criminal Record Management System, (CRMS), Police Station Record Information Management System (PSRIMS) and Hotel Eye System and Stolen Motor Vehicles (SMV).

There will also be a discussion on the existing infrastructure and the potential for expanding connectivity through a centralised approach.

CPO Hamdani told Dawn that there was regular interaction with Interpol on different issues. “Our criminal record management system is very authentic and foolproof,” he said.

The police station record information management and hotel eye systems are up-to-date and fool proof, he added.

The CPO said arrangements were being made to facilitate the Interpol team, including presentations and technical briefings.

A special security and traffic plan has also been chalked out for the foolproof security of the delegation. As part of the security, police will be deployed on rooftops of high-rise buildings during their movement in Rawalpindi.

All SHOs concerned have been directed to ensure that there are no beggars or venders on the route during their movement. Elite commandoes will escort the delegation, said the CPO.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026