Pakistan plans China-style policing centre in Islamabad

Pakistan is preparing to test a new policing model in Islamabad as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced plans for a China-style Law Enforcement Investigation Centre that would bring detention, investigation and summary trial functions together under one roof.

The proposal, reported by Dawn, is part of a wider effort to modernise policing and speed up the handling of minor offence cases. Officials say the pilot project is intended to reduce procedural delays and improve the disposal of routine cases through a more integrated system.

Training abroad to shape future policing

Naqvi made the announcement while meeting assistant superintendents of police who had recently returned after completing specialised training in China and Turkiye. According to the report, the officers described the overseas programmes as useful and said they had expanded their understanding of modern policing methods, surveillance tools and current approaches to maintaining law and order.

The interior minister said such foreign training would become a permanent part of professional development for Pakistani police officers. He also said the government wants law enforcement agencies to gain the skills and technologies needed to deal with emerging security challenges.

What the proposed centre would do

The planned Islamabad centre would combine detention, investigation and summary trial facilities in one place. The aim is to create a faster process for minor offences by keeping related steps within a single system rather than moving cases through multiple stages and offices.

That approach reflects a growing interest in internationally tested policing models, according to the comments shared in Dawn. While the announcement signals a significant policy direction, the available details are limited to the pilot project in Islamabad and the broader promise of future reform.

A wider push for reform

Naqvi said Pakistan would benefit from proven international law enforcement practices as it seeks to improve its own system. The new initiative suggests the government is looking at structural changes rather than isolated administrative fixes.

For now, the most concrete step is the Islamabad pilot. If implemented successfully, it could become a reference point for future policing reforms elsewhere in the country.

FAQ

What is Pakistan planning to build in Islamabad?

Pakistan plans to establish a China-style Law Enforcement Investigation Centre that combines detention, investigation and summary trial functions.

Why is the centre being proposed?

The goal is to speed up disposal of minor offence cases and reduce procedural delays.

Where were the police officers trained?

The officers recently completed specialised training courses in China and Turkiye.