ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP): The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, in collaboration with the British High Commission, formally inaugurated the Centre of Excellence on Thursday in Islamabad, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation against transnational organized crime and enhancing Pakistan’s capacity to address complex global criminal challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the new Centre of Excellence would help modernize Pakistan’s response to international criminal networks and align its practices with global standards. “The Centre has been established under the UK–Pakistan Upskill Programme, and it marks a significant step toward improving our institutional capabilities in mutual legal assistance and extradition matters,” he stated.
Chaudhry highlighted that during the pilot phase of the Centre, the processing of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) cases had increased by 400 percent, reflecting a tangible improvement in efficiency. He added that reforms to the Extradition Act are expected to reduce case timelines by up to one year, streamlining the legal cooperation process with international partners.
He further noted that the government had upgraded the International Cooperation Section to a full-fledged wing, expanding its staff and improving its structure to meet growing operational demands. “The Centre of Excellence is a vital step towards digital transformation and stronger global cooperation,” Chaudhry added.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott praised the initiative as “a shining example of the strong partnership between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.” She said that the Centre would serve as a model of collaborative innovation in countering international crime. “In today’s interconnected world, crime knows no borders. This Centre symbolizes how cooperation between nations can create safer societies,” she remarked.
The Centre of Excellence will focus on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and harmonization with international best practices in law enforcement and judicial cooperation. Officials said the facility will play a crucial role in improving coordination between Pakistan and its global partners, particularly in the areas of organized crime, extradition, and mutual legal assistance.
The inauguration marks a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its internal security institutions and reinforce its commitment to international collaboration in combating global crime networks.