Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Conventional Policing: A Case Study of Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the application of Artificial Intelligence in policing within the Islamabad Capital Territory, focusing on crime prevention, resource allocation, institutional performance, and emerging ethical concerns. Although AI-driven policing is expanding globally, its use in developing countries remains uneven and under- researched. In Pakistan, initiatives such as the Islamabad Safe City Project and the AI Sky Eye System mark major technological shifts, yet systematic evaluation is limited. A convergent mixed-method design was employed. Quantitative crime statistics from 2020–2025 were analyzed to compare trends before and after AI implementation, while qualitative data were collected through thirty semi-structured interviews and field observations at Safe City facilities. Results indicate a significant decline in crime rates, reduced police response times, and increased use of digital evidence following AI adoption. Despite operational gains, challenges related to data governance, accountability, and privacy persist. The study recommends legal frameworks, improved data governance, and ethics training.