Jane Marriott highlights UK support as Pakistan launches digital case management system to boost counter-narcotics response

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The United Kingdom has extended support to Pakistan in strengthening its fight against narcotics by helping launch a Digital Case Management System (CMS) for the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF). The initiative aims to modernise the handling of narcotics cases by shifting from traditional manual processes to a centralised digital platform.

The system, piloted in February 2025 and now operational across all ANF regional headquarters and police stations nationwide, enables digital registration of cases, evidence management, and integration of laboratory results. Officials said the CMS is designed to enhance data accuracy, reduce delays, and accelerate enforcement actions against drug trafficking networks.

The inauguration ceremony was held at ANF Headquarters in Rawalpindi, attended by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, ANF Director General Major General Abdul Moeed, and representatives from the British High Commission, UPSCALE, and Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, CMG, OBE, hailed the initiative as a milestone in bilateral cooperation. “This reflects the UK’s commitment to working with Pakistan to tackle serious and organised crime. The system strengthens law enforcement and benefits both the UK and Pakistan,” she remarked.

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, in his address, praised the collaboration and termed the digital transformation “a cornerstone” of Pakistan’s counter-narcotics strategy. “This equips ANF to handle high-volume narcotics cases with greater efficiency. We deeply value this partnership in securing our borders and communities,” he said.

According to ANF officials, the CMS also addresses long-standing challenges such as fragmented data and slow reporting by enabling real-time information sharing across law enforcement units. Future upgrades are expected to expand the system’s reach, including links to external databases and financial tracking of narcotics-related crimes, with continued support from the UK.

The development is seen as part of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation in governance and law enforcement, while also reflecting the UK’s commitment to supporting regional security and counter-narcotics cooperation.