In a significant technological advancement for Karachi’s residents, a new verification application Special Branch Verification System (SBVS) has been launched, allowing citizens to apply for and receive arms licenses and airport entry passes online. The initiative, which promises to streamline bureaucratic processes, was inaugurated by Inspector General (IG) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon during his visit to the Special Branch Sindh, ARY News reported on Thursday.
The newly introduced app marks a transformative step in the Sindh Police’s efforts to modernize and digitize its services, making it easier for the public to access essential services from the comfort of their homes. With this app, citizens no longer need to navigate the often cumbersome in-person application processes for arms licenses and airport entry passes.
During the inauguration, IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon highlighted the app’s potential to improve public service delivery and reduce the time and effort required by citizens to obtain these critical documents.
"This app is a reflection of our commitment to embracing technology to better serve the people of Sindh,” said IG Memon. "We aim to make these processes more efficient, transparent, and accessible to everyone.”
As part of his visit, IG Memon was given a detailed briefing by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Special Branch on the department’s recent achievements. The briefing underscored a significant reduction in street crimes compared to the previous year, attributing this success to enhanced intelligence operations and proactive law enforcement measures.
The Special Branch’s intelligence efforts have reportedly led to the disruption of organized crime rings and a crackdown on smuggling activities. The department’s reports have also facilitated the arrest of several scrap dealers involved in illegal operations, further contributing to the overall reduction in crime.
IG Memon emphasized the critical importance of establishing a comprehensive digital data bank to track and manage criminal activities more effectively. This digitalization is part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement across the province, ensuring that the Special Branch remains well-equipped to combat evolving criminal tactics.
"The creation of a digital data bank is essential for modern policing,” IG Memon stated. "It will allow us to keep better track of criminal activities, making our responses more precise and effective.”
In addition, IG Memon stressed the need to reorganize the Special Branch to meet contemporary challenges, ensuring the department continues to play a leading role in crime prevention and intelligence gathering.
The launch of the verification app is part of a broader initiative by the Sindh Police to leverage technology for improved public service delivery. By making essential services like arms licensing and airport pass applications accessible online, the Sindh Police is not only reducing the burden on its physical offices but also enhancing the convenience for the public.
The move has been welcomed by citizens, who view it as a much-needed modernization of government services. The app is expected to improve transparency in the issuance of licenses and passes, reduce opportunities for corruption, and ensure that these services are accessible to a broader segment of the population.
As Karachi continues to evolve as a major urban center, initiatives like these are seen as crucial steps in aligning the city’s infrastructure and services with the demands of the 21st century. The Sindh Police’s adoption of digital tools and technologies is poised to set a precedent for other regions in the country, showcasing the potential of digital governance in enhancing public administration and service delivery.
