Pakistan Plans New Internal Security Policy to Strengthen Policing

LAHORE — The federal government has asked police departments across Pakistan to provide recommendations for a new National Internal Security Policy covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The proposed policy aims to strengthen internal security through improved intelligence sharing, integrated crime data systems, enhanced counterterrorism measures, and greater coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Key Meeting Scheduled This Month

Officials will discuss the policy during an extraordinary meeting of the National Police Management Board (NPMB) later this month.

The meeting will include participation from provincial inspectors general of police, as well as police chiefs from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Ministry of Interior has already shared a set of proposals prepared by retired and serving police officers. These recommendations will help shape the final policy framework.

Focus on National Coordination

The proposed reforms seek to improve cooperation among law enforcement agencies and establish a more unified policing system nationwide.

Key proposals include integrating criminal records at the national level, strengthening interprovincial intelligence sharing, creating a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gilgit-Baltistan, and centralizing the issuance of International Driving Permits.

Officials believe these measures can help improve operational efficiency and support efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime.

FIA Chief Highlights Need for Unified Mechanism

FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar, who also heads the National Police Bureau (NPB), will convene the upcoming meeting.

Speaking about the initiative, he stressed the need for stronger coordination among civil law enforcement agencies.

He noted that significant gaps remain between different institutions and emphasized the importance of developing a uniform mechanism across provinces.

Dr. Anwar also highlighted the need to work closely with domestic and international intelligence agencies to counter terrorism and disrupt terrorist financing networks.

Broader Reform Agenda Under Discussion

The agenda will also cover police welfare, specialized training, women police networking, transnational crime, and functional specialization within police services.

In addition, officials will discuss strategies for improving data integration and strengthening counterterrorism capabilities.

The National Police Bureau is expected to play a larger role in developing national policing reforms and long-term security strategies.

Experts Call for Structural Changes

Former NPB Director General Tariq Khosa has proposed the development of a National Criminal Record Access System to integrate police data across the country.

He also suggested expanding the role of the NPB to serve as a central coordinating body for police organizations nationwide.

Security experts say the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement institutions and improve Pakistan’s overall internal security framework.