Many people want
to understand how the police in Pakistan is structured, who controls it, and
how different departments work together. This article explains the structure of police in Pakistan in a
simple and easy-to-understand way.
Police
System in Pakistan – An Overview
Pakistan does not have a single
centralized police force. Instead, policing is primarily a provincial
subject, meaning each province and region manages its own police department
under provincial laws.
The main police forces operate in:
- Punjab
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Balochistan
- Islamabad Capital Territory
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Each police force follows similar
rules but may have slight administrative differences.
Inspector
General of Police (IGP) – The Head
At the top of every provincial
police department is the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The IGP is
the highest-ranking police officer in the province or region.
Responsibilities
of IGP:
- Overall command and control of the police force
- Policy implementation
- Ensuring discipline and efficiency
- Reporting to the provincial government
The IGP plays a key role in shaping
policing strategies and reforms.
Regional
and District Police Structure
Below the IGP, the police force is
divided into regions and districts for better administration.
Senior
Officers Include:
- Additional Inspector General (Addl. IGP)
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
Each district is usually
headed by a District Police Officer (DPO) or SP, who is
responsible for all policing matters in that district.
Police
Stations and SHOs
The police station is the basic
operational unit of the Pakistan police system. Each police station is headed
by a Station House Officer (SHO), usually of the rank of Inspector or
Sub-Inspector.
Role
of a Police Station:
- Registering FIRs
- Investigating crimes
- Maintaining local law and order
- Community policing
Police stations are directly
connected to the public and play a vital role in everyday law enforcement.
Major
Police Departments in Pakistan
To handle different responsibilities
effectively, police departments are divided into specialized branches:
1.
Operations Branch
- Crime prevention
- Patrolling
- Arrest of suspects
2.
Investigation Branch
- Crime investigation
- Evidence collection
- Case preparation
3.
Traffic Police
- Traffic management
- Road safety enforcement
- Issuing challans
4.
Special Branch
- Intelligence gathering
- Internal security support
Special
Units of Pakistan Police
Pakistan Police also includes
specialized forces to deal with high-risk and sensitive situations:
- Counter Terrorism Department (CTD): Handles terrorism-related cases
- Elite Force:
Rapid response and VIP security
- Dolphin Force:
Urban quick-response policing
- Women Police Units:
Focus on women and children-related cases
These units strengthen the overall
police structure and improve public safety.
Conclusion
The structure of police in Pakistan
is designed to manage law and order efficiently across provinces and regions.
From the Inspector General of Police to local police stations, every level has
defined roles and responsibilities.
Understanding the police system
helps citizens know how law enforcement works and where to seek help when
needed. A strong, transparent, and well-organized police structure is essential
for a peaceful and secure society.
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