ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for an urgent action plan to modernise the National Police Bureau (NPB) in line with contemporary policing needs during his visit to the institution.

A meeting on reforms in the bureau was held under the chairmanship of the interior minister.

Mr Naqvi stated that the NBP played a highly important role in improving the policing system in the country and it should have a key role in policymaking, reforms and ensuring cooperation among law enforcement agencies across Pakistan.

He said that the institution has been negle cted in the past and must now be made fully functional in accordance with present-day needs. He added that the bureau must redefine its objectives and an emergency action plan should be prepared and submitted.

The minister instructed the immediate purchase of software for research and analysis, stating that this would allow for proper assessment and review of crimes occurring in different regions of the country.

He also directed that the process for issuing police character certificates be expedited.

Mr Naqvi highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation with international organisations and sending more officers abroad for training and foreign postings.

Director General of the National Police Bureau, Abdul Khaliq Shaikh, gave a detailed briefing to the interior minister about the bureau and emphasised that the institution needs focused attention considering its significance.