CIAO DATE: 12/2012
July 2012
A report by the Asia Society Independent Commission on Pakistan Police Reform finds that Pakistan’s efforts to combat crime and counter terrorist activities are being outpaced by the innovation and agility of criminal networks and terrorist organizations. Without comprehensive reform of the legal framework governing police action, the police force as an institution, Pakistan’s law enforcement strategy, and interagency and international coordination, Pakistan’s progress toward political stability and economic security will be limited. The report, Stabilizing Pakistan through Police Reform, is the result of an unprecedented convening of law enforcement and legal experts in Pakistan and the U.S. led by Asia Society Senior Advisor Hassan Abbas. According to the report, a lack of resources, poor training, insufficient and outmoded equipment, and political manipulation pose difficulties to the police force as it works to maintain law and order. To be successful, reforms must aim to improve police technology, personnel, training, and intelligence capability. A well-defined national counterterrorism strategy is essential to establishing a clearer role for the police in overseeing internal security. Increased international support will be useful in the spheres of technical assistance, training, and modern equipment.
Resource link: Stabilizing Pakistan through Police Reform [PDF] - 5.6M