Pakistan is overhauling its policing framework, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi unveiling reforms modelled on international practices, including a China-inspired investigation hub in Islamabad. The initiative, announced during a meeting with police officers trained abroad, aims to streamline case processing and modernise law enforcement. Main Developments The centrepiece is a pilot project for a Law Enforcement Investigation Centre in Islamabad, integrating detention, investigation, and summary trial facilities under one roof. This setup is designed to fast-track minor offence cases and cut procedural delays, according to Naqvi. Additional reforms include inducting modern drones into the Ministry of Interior's Aviation Wing for enhanced surveillance and operational support. The government also plans to establish specialised investigation rooms at the National Police Academy and introduce interrogation as a dedicated academic subject in police training. Read also: 3 reasons PTI talks remain stalled despite govt offer New police uniforms are also in the pipeline, tailored to meet contemporary operational demands. The announcements followed a meeting with assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) who had completed specialised courses in China and Turkiye. Background The reforms stem from exposure to advanced policing systems abroad. The returning ASPs highlighted effective surveillance technologies, digital tools, and public security management practices observed in China and Turkiye, which they said could be adapted to Pakistan's context. Naqvi described the overseas programmes as invaluable, enhancing officers' professional capabilities and familiarity with modern policing methods. Foreign training will now become a permanent fixture in the professional development of Pakistani police officers, he declared. The meeting also included the Commandant of the National Police Academy, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other senior officials, signalling broad institutional backing for the reforms. Why It Matters These changes signal a strategic shift towards technology-driven, efficient law enforcement in Pakistan. By adopting proven international models, the government aims to strengthen crime prevention, expand monitoring capabilities, and improve public safety — critical amid evolving security challenges. The integration of detention, investigation, and trial facilities could significantly reduce case backlogs and procedural bottlenecks, enhancing public trust in the justice system. Specialised training and modern interrogation techniques also address long-standing gaps in investigative capacity. What's Next The pilot centre in Islamabad will be closely watched as a test case for broader implementation across the country. The induction of drones and rollout of new uniforms are expected to follow, though timelines were not specified. Questions remain on how quickly these reforms will be operationalised and whether they can be replicated nationwide. The government's commitment to integrating foreign training and technology suggests a sustained push, but execution will determine their impact.