Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced extensive reforms and technological upgrades for Sindh Police, highlighting that the force comprises 162,000 personnel and operates 618 police stations across 31 districts, with an annual budget of approximately Rs190 billion. The announcement came during a ceremony addressing officers of the Pakistan Navy’s 55th Staff Course and 23rd Correspondence Staff Course, led by Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Commandant of the Pakistan Navy War College and Commander Central Punjab. The event, held at the Chief Minister’s House, was attended by provincial ministers, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, and senior provincial secretaries, reflecting the high-level coordination behind the planned reforms.
Shah elaborated that the modernization effort targets the force’s structure, operational efficiency, and welfare systems. Renovations and upgrades of police stations are being implemented, and officers are being provided with enhanced financial autonomy. Station House Officers and investigation officers have been granted Drawing and Disbursing Officer powers, which allow them to manage financial matters independently. This measure is intended to streamline operations at the station level, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enable officers to allocate resources more effectively for law enforcement activities and emergency responses. Shah emphasized that these changes are part of a broader strategy to improve accountability and operational performance across the province.
A major focus of the reforms is digitisation and integration of critical systems. The police station record management system has been linked with forensic, DNA, chemical, and judicial systems, enabling judges to monitor the progress of cases online. This digital integration enhances transparency and reduces delays in the judicial process by allowing real-time access to case updates. The Sindh Smart Surveillance System, known as S-4, represents another significant initiative aimed at enhancing urban security. Introduced alongside the Police Health Insurance Scheme at CPO Karachi in June 2024, S-4 leverages advanced technology to monitor all entry and exit points across cities. The system provides real-time alerts, improving situational awareness and supporting law enforcement in crime prevention and timely intervention. Shah highlighted that these measures will also contribute to the broader Safe City project, which aims to ensure a secure urban environment for residents and commuters.
To support the surveillance initiatives, Shah approved Rs1.567 billion in funding for the acquisition of camera systems from NRTC. Modern cameras have already been installed at 40 toll plazas across Sindh, including 18 in Karachi, and a central control room along with a fusion system has been established at the CPO Data Centre for live monitoring. This network of cameras enables continuous observation of key locations, rapid response to incidents, and improved coordination among law enforcement units. The combination of digitised record management, integrated judicial systems, and real-time surveillance is designed to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance transparency, and increase public confidence in the police force.
Through these comprehensive reforms and technological upgrades, Sindh Police is moving toward a more modern and digitally equipped framework. Shah underlined that these initiatives are intended not only to improve administrative efficiency but also to ensure public safety and accountability. By combining infrastructure modernization, technological integration, and financial autonomy, the force is better positioned to manage resources, respond to security challenges, and provide citizens with a more responsive and transparent policing system. These steps are also aligned with broader trends in digital governance and law enforcement modernization across Pakistan, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for safer, more efficient policing.
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