Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi has promised a salary increase, residential plots and better training facilities for police officers during a visit to the National Police Academy in Islamabad.
Naqvi Reviews Renovation Work at National Police Academy
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi visited the National Police Academy (NPA) in Islamabad to review the ongoing renovation and upgrade work at the facility. During his tour, he inspected key areas including the conference hall, dining hall and other important sections used by officers during training. NPA Commandant Muhammad Idrees briefed the minister on the pace and scope of the renovation, as well as the overall administrative and training arrangements at the academy. Senior officials, including the deputy commandant and the additional deputy commissioner of Islamabad, were also present during the visit.
Residential Plots and Foreign Training for ASPs
Addressing Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) who are currently undergoing training, Naqvi announced a series of incentives aimed at improving the professional and personal prospects of young officers. He said that ASPs would be allotted residential plots after the successful completion of their training, describing the measure as a way to reward their hard work and provide long-term security for their families. The interior minister also revealed that the current batch of officers would be sent to Beijing, China, for a one-month professional training programme. The foreign training is intended to expose officers to modern policing techniques, international best practices and advanced tools that can be applied in Pakistan’s law enforcement environment.
Promise of Salary Increase and Financial Relief for Police
Naqvi used the occasion to directly address long-standing financial concerns within the police force. He said the government was taking special steps to resolve monetary issues faced by police personnel at different ranks. “I want an increase in the salary of every police official so that they can take home respectable pay,” he stated, signalling that he would push for better compensation packages. While specific figures and timelines were not announced, the minister’s remarks suggest that salary reforms and financial relief measures are on the agenda. For many police officials who have raised concerns about rising living costs and workload, the promise of higher pay is likely to be welcomed, provided it is followed by concrete action in upcoming budgets.
Modern Facilities and Focus on Promotions
Beyond pay and allowances, the interior minister also pledged to improve the working and living conditions of police officers. He said that modern facilities would be provided to officers through collaboration with the National Police Foundation, which handles various welfare and housing projects for law enforcement personnel. Naqvi further acknowledged long-standing complaints about delays and bottlenecks in promotion processes. He vowed to address these issues, indicating that fair and timely promotions would be treated as a priority. For officers, this focus on both welfare and career progression could help improve morale and encourage better performance on the ground.
What the Announcements Mean for Policing in Pakistan
- If implemented fully, the measures announced at the National Police Academy could have a wider impact on policing standards in Pakistan. Better salaries, housing support and modern facilities can make law enforcement careers more attractive and reduce the financial pressures that many officers face. Foreign training opportunities and upgraded academy infrastructure may also enhance the quality of professional development, equipping officers with the skills needed to deal with complex security challenges. However, much will depend on how quickly these promises are turned into approved policies, budget allocations and on-ground projects. For now, the interior minister’s statements send a clear message that improving police welfare and training is on the government’s radar, with officers watching closely to see how the commitments are delivered in practice.
