By Sabahat Sarwar
Long before Pakistan came into existence, during the era of British rule in the Indian subcontinent, a structured law enforcement system had already begun to emerge in Sindh. Founded in 1843—remarkably 104 years prior to Pakistan’s independence—the Sindh Police is one of the oldest organized policing in South Asia. Today, its rich and enduring legacy is honored at the Sindh Police Museum, located within the Garden Police Headquarters in Karachi. Set in a heritage structure built in 1865, the museum offers more than just a collection of artifacts—it serves as a dynamic record of bravery, discipline, and institutional progress. With displays ranging from early uniforms and colonial-era weaponry to rare photographs and changing police insignias, each gallery tells the compelling story of how the Sindh Police has adapted and persevered in its mission to maintain law and order for nearly 200 years.
The origins of policing in Sindh can be traced back to 1843, following the British annexation of the region. Under the administration of Sir Charles Napier, then-Governor of Sindh, the Sindh Police was formally established to maintain law and order. William Brown was appointed as the first Chief of Police, marking the beginning of an organized policing system. Shortly after his tenure, Edward Charles Marston assumed the role and served as the head of the Sindh Police from 1843 to 1872. During this period, Sindh was administratively a part of the Bombay Presidency, and the police chief’s office was located in Poona (Pune).
The Sindh Police evolved significantly over the years—from being led by British officers to embracing indigenous leadership. A milestone in this transition came in 1949, when Muhammad Sharif Khan was appointed as the first Muslim head of the Karachi police, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s history.
The museum’s development began in 2008 under the leadership of then-IGP Sindh, Saud Ahmed, and its current in-charge, DSP Shamim Ahmed, continues to preserve and promote the heritage with great dedication. He credits Saud Ahmed for the vision and initiation of this historical project.
Today, this rich and complex journey is preserved and showcased at the Sindh Police Museum, located within the Garden Police Head Quarters in Karachi. The museum comprises five galleries, an auditorium, and a reference library, offering visitors a comprehensive look at nearly two centuries of law enforcement in the region, Sindh Police Museum not only preserves over 180 years of policing legacy but also houses an invaluable Reference Library. This library is a rich repository of annual police reports, legal documents, historical records. Its extensive collection includes law books, the police manual, civil service rules, records on police reorganization, training modules, legal decisions, and legislative acts.
According to DSP Shamim Ahmed, the in-charge of the museum, the Reference Library serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, and law enforcement professionals alike. It offers deep insights into the evolution of policing practices in Sindh, from colonial administration to present-day reforms.
Exhibits include an impressive array of historical items: rare photographs, antique weapons, police uniforms from various eras, medals, rank insignias, vintage driving licenses, and much more. One of the most significant documents on display is the oldest First Information Report (FIR), dated 1861, alongside a copy of the FIR filed following the assassination of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan.
The Sindh Police Museum warmly welcomes visitors, encouraging the public—especially students and history enthusiasts—to explore its archives and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s law enforcement heritage.
