Sindh police on their way to becoming model LEA, says Murad

Sindh’s chief minister on Tuesday reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming the provincial police department into an efficient, technology-driven force to enhance public safety and foster trust in law-enforcement among the people.

Syed Murad Ali Shah was addressing the participants of the 51st Specialised Training Programme and the 27th Initial Command Course for Assistant Superintendents of Police at the CM House.

Shah said the Sindh police, established in 1843, is the oldest police organisation in the Subcontinent, and is undergoing significant modernisation to tackle contemporary law-enforcement challenges.

“With a sanctioned strength of 162,000 personnel, the Sindh police is the second-largest force in Pakistan dedicated to crime prevention and detection, and maintaining law and order.” He discussed several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the police force’s capacity and efficiency. He said that one important project is the Sindh Smart Surveillance System, which involves installing surveillance cameras at 40 toll plazas across the province.

“This system is intended to provide real-time monitoring at critical entry and exit points, improving response times and situational awareness while streamlining police operations using advanced intelligence tools.”

Shah said the Karachi Safe City Project is designed to significantly enhance the Sindh police’s capabilities, ensuring greater public safety in Pakistan’s largest city. Discussing the government’s focused efforts against crime, he mentioned the Sindh Habitual Offenders Monitoring Act, 2022, which allows for the electronic tagging of habitual criminals involved in street crimes such as robbery, extortion and vehicle theft. He explained that GPS-enabled anklets and bracelets would enable real-time monitoring of offenders, promoting safer neighbourhoods across the province.

Talking about budget allocations for the police department, he said that significant funds have been earmarked to strengthen key departments within the police force. “The Counter Terrorism Department has received Rs2.7 billion, the Special Branch Rs1.2 billion, and the Investigation Branch Rs600 million for investigation costs.”

He added that incentives for investigating officers who secure convictions have been included, while around Rs6 billion has been allocated for police stations, with station house officers now granted drawing & disbursing officer powers. The CM said that to support police officials and their families, the government has introduced a health insurance programme valued at Rs4.961 billion.

“An enhanced Shaheed Package has been implemented, increasing compensation from Rs10 million to Rs23 million, ensuring continued salary payments until the age of retirement, and providing two government jobs for the family of the deceased.”

Talking about the importance of skill development, Shah said his government is investing in training programmes for police officers, prosecutors and judges to ensure the effective implementation of laws and policies. He added that capacity-building initiatives are under way to prepare personnel for modern challenges, and to maintain law and order. The CM pointed out that with the ongoing reforms and investments, the Sindh police are well on their way to becoming a model law-enforcement agency (LEA) in the country.