NPA embarks on overhaul after three decades

ISLAMABAD: In a momentous move aimed at modernising law enforcement training, the National Police Academy (NPA) has initiated a comprehensive upgradation project after a hiatus of 31 years. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially launched the ambitious undertaking, which includes the construction of state-of-the-art classrooms and the renovation of residential facilities for trainee officers.

During a recent visit to the academy, Naqvi personally inspected the ongoing construction work, emphasising the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the nation’s police force. He reviewed the newly erected classrooms and residential blocks, underscoring the need for timely completion within a stringent six-month time-frame while adhering to the highest quality standards.

In a tangible demonstration of support, the interior minister presented a cheque of Rs250 million to the NPA commandant on behalf of the National Police Foundation, specifically allocated for the upgradation endeavours.

Furthermore, Naqvi presided over a high-level meeting focused on the comprehensive restructuring of the NPA. A key priority discussed was the swift implementation of arrangements to enable the academy to award master’s degrees to its trainee officers. The minister articulated a long-term vision, stating that the ultimate objective was to elevate the NPA into a full-fledged National Police University. “Restructuring the National Police Academy is not just an upgrade, it is a crucial step towards improving the entire policing system of our country,” Naqvi asserted. He emphasised the ambition to transform the NPA into an institution of international repute.

Echoing this sentiment, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stressed the importance of making the academy a sought-after training destination for officers from across the globe. He advocated for the integration of contemporary subjects like IT and cybercrime as essential components of the training curriculum to meet the evolving demands of modern policing.

The high-level meeting witnessed the presence of key officials, including secretary Interior, commandant NPA, director general Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), and inspector general of Islamabad Police. During the session, significant progress on the modernisation plan for the NPA was reviewed. Commandant NPA Muhammad Idrees Ahmad gave a detailed briefing on the master plan for the academy’s restructuring. He said the phase-wise implementation of this ambitious project has commenced in accordance with the interior minister’s directives.

In a move to ensure the highest calibre of training, the academy is also in the process of appointing top-performing police officers from all four provinces as course commandants and assistant course commandants. This comprehensive upgradation and restructuring initiative signals a renewed focus on equipping the country’s law enforcement personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address contemporary challenges in maintaining law and order.