An Evidence-Based Framework for Counterterrorism Police Training in Pakistan: Diagnosing and Designing

Abstract

Pakistan’s internal security landscape increasingly relies on a police-led counterterrorism (CT) approach, yet the corresponding training ecosystem remains fragmented and inconsistently applied across different ranks. This article assesses the contemporary condition of CT training within Pakistan’s police, proposing an evidence-based framework to systematize essential competencies. Methodologically, it conducts a structured document analysis of national and provincial policies, training syllabi, program materials, and incident datasets (2010–2024), complemented by a single-case study of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab. A hybrid inductive-deductive coding scheme was applied to these sources, with triangulation used to pinpoint strengths, deficits, and potential design levers. The findings highlight islands of capability, such as specialist CTDs, forensic linkages, and targeted courses that coexist with systemic flaws: a limited reach beyond elite units, inconsistent curricula and assessment, insufficient emphasis on rights-based community engagement, and weak monitoring and evaluation. In response, the study proposes a practical framework featuring a three-tier national CT curriculum connected to promotion gates and refreshers; a trainer-of-trainers registry with recertification; mandated scenario-based drills and after-action reviews; and a national dashboard to track coverage, quality, and operational proxies. This transition from diagnosis to design outlines a scalable path for mainstreaming CT competence, while simultaneously strengthening legality, accountability, and public trust.