30 November 2023, Quetta – The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) proudly announce the inauguration of Police Khidmat Markaz in Kuchlak, Quetta. This collaborative venture with Balochistan Police marks a pioneering era in community-focused law enforcement, embodying a transformative approach that places a premium on accessibility, responsiveness, and community engagement.

Funded through the EU's Deliver Justice Project, a pivotal component of the broader Rule of Law Roadmap (RoLR) in Balochistan, this initiative supports reforms aimed at ensuring people-centered justice, equitable access to justice, particularly for women and marginalized groups, and enhancing the service delivery of the security sector in alignment with constitutional safeguards and international standards. The establishment of the Police Khidmat Markaz underscores the joint commitment of the EU, UNODC, and Balochistan Police to empower local communities through improved policing services, offering facilitation for all citizens through a unified service point.

The inauguration ceremony of the Police Khidmat Markaz was presided over by Mr. Abdul Khalique Sheikh, PSP, Inspector General of Police, Balochistan, in the esteemed presence of Mr. Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Pakistan, and Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative, UNODC Pakistan.

The primary objective of the Police Khidmat Markaz is to alleviate the workload on conventional police stations, enabling them to concentrate resources on the fundamental responsibility of crime prevention while simultaneously bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. It is meticulously designed to provide seamless processes, guarantee prompt service for citizens, uphold respectful treatment of the public, and introduce a citizen feedback mechanism along with an online tracking system. Distinctive features include a gender desk, integrated IT software solutions, and CCTV cameras, differentiating it significantly from regular police stations in terms of structure, environment, and public interactions. The markaz facilitates easy filing of complaints, particularly in non-cognizable offenses.

This innovative center is poised to redefine the policing landscape in the region, bringing services closer to the people and establishing a collaborative framework that fosters mutual trust and understanding. The Police Khidmat Markaz exemplifies the shared vision of the European Union and the UNODC in creating safer, more secure environments through proactive community engagement in Balochistan.

The delegation also visited the Library at Balochistan Judicial Academy (BJA), inaugurated earlier this year. Under RoLR, the Criminal Justice Institutions (CJIs) of the Government of Balochistan have received essential technical, operational, and infrastructure support. The Academy has been equipped with books and research materials, IT support for digitization, and comfortable furniture to ensure a conducive work environment.

The EU-funded Rule of Law Programme remains committed to its reformative momentum, aiming to foster public trust and confidence in Rule of Law institutions by planning, developing, and implementing institutional reforms.

30 November 2023

Quetta