Police Reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan: Challenges, Gaps, and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Police reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) remain a crucial yet underdeveloped aspect of governance and security in Pakistan’s northern region. The GB Police face significant structural and operational challenges, including limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of modern equipment, and insufficient training. The region’s strategic importance, particularly along the Karakoram Highway, increases the burden on law enforcement agencies, while institutional weaknesses such as political interference, lack of autonomy, and weak accountability mechanisms further hinder effective policing. Additionally, poor coordination within the criminal justice system undermines overall performance. Although recent initiatives, including digitization and proposals for specialized counterterrorism units, indicate progress, their implementation remains constrained by resource and governance gaps. This study highlights key challenges and argues that sustainable police reform in Gilgit-Baltistan requires comprehensive policy measures focusing on capacity building, institutional strengthening, accountability, and community policing to improve public trust and security outcomes.