Islamabad, 05 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja):As terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and transnational organized crime continue to evolve in complexity, Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies are adapting through innovation, technology, and intelligence-driven policing. At the forefront of this transformation is the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW), which is strengthening the country’s ability to combat both conventional and emerging security threats. In an exclusive interview with The Pakistan Times News, Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed, Director of the FIA Counter Terrorism Wing, shared his vision for building a modern, technology-enabled law enforcement system capable of addressing the rapidly changing landscape of crime. He emphasized that future policing must be proactive, intelligence-led, research-based, and supported by international partnerships to effectively counter terrorism and organized criminal networks.
A distinguished officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Dr. Waheed has devoted more than two decades to public service, specializing in counter-terrorism, criminal investigations, cybercrime, public safety, and institutional reform. Throughout his career in the Punjab Police, National Highways and Motorway Police, and the FIA, he has played a leading role in introducing modern policing practices, digital transformation, and operational reforms aimed at improving efficiency while strengthening public trust.
During the interview, Dr. Waheed explained that today’s criminal organizations exploit digital technologies, encrypted communications, virtual assets, and international financial systems to operate across borders, making traditional investigative methods increasingly inadequate.
“Criminals are constantly adapting to technological advancements,” he noted. “Law enforcement agencies must remain ahead by embracing innovation, intelligence, digital investigations, and international cooperation. These capabilities are essential for protecting national security and effectively responding to modern criminal threats.”
He highlighted that under his leadership, the FIA Counter Terrorism Wing has accelerated the integration of artificial intelligence, digital forensics, open-source intelligence, advanced data analytics, and virtual asset investigations into its operational framework. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the Agency’s ability to identify criminal networks, investigate cyber-enabled offences, trace illicit financial transactions, and support intelligence-based decision-making. Dr. Waheed also discussed the establishment of the National Command and Control Centre (NC3), describing it as a landmark institutional reform that has strengthened operational coordination, intelligence sharing, and real-time response capabilities across the FIA.
The conversation further explored Pakistan’s growing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies, the importance of evidence-based policymaking, and the role of academic research in shaping modern policing strategies. Dr. Waheed stressed that while technology is transforming investigations, the core principles of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and public service remain fundamental to effective law enforcement.Throughout the interview, he underscored the importance of continuous learning, institutional innovation, and global collaboration in preparing Pakistan’s law enforcement institutions to confront the evolving challenges of terrorism, cybercrime, financial crimes, and transnational organized crime. This exclusive interview provides valuable insight into the reforms underway within the FIA and highlights Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed’s vision for a more resilient, technologically advanced, and intelligence-driven law enforcement system dedicated to safeguarding Pakistan’s national security.