People, LEAs helped in tackling terror: Iqbal

Calls for modernising police to cut operational delays, improve response time

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that the innumerable sacrifices given by the public, the police and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have helped in stemming the tide of terrorism in the country.

The minister – while addressing the passing out parade of 19th initial command course/43rd Specialised Training Programme (STP) of Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) at the National Police Academy on Monday – urged the police to adopt modern technology for improving response time and cutting down operational delays.

"Pakistan needs heroes. Our security agencies are rendering sacrifices daily and you have to take forward their legacy and write a new chapter of valour," said Iqbal, stressing on the important role of police in dealing with challenges facing the country, including terrorism.



“The role and duties of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are of pivotal importance for stability and socio-economic advancement of our country,” he said.

He stressed the need for training police force in dealing with crimes on a scientific basis, equipping them with modern gadgetry and synergising them with a sense of duty and professionalism.

The minister said he was impressed that these passing out officers “are well-equipped for facing challenges” confronting the police force and society.



"I am impressed by the smart turnout of these young officers and men. It is also my hope and prayer that these officers will have a long, successful and meritorious career that will be dedicated to service of people of Pakistan," he said.

He also remarked that in the battle against terrorists and criminals, “the role of the public is vital and that is only possible through community policing which in essence is collaboration between the police and community”.

In such a scenario, he added, the police were no longer considered sole guardian of law and order, rather all members of community became active allies in effort to enhance safety and quality of neighbourhoods.



Iqbal also stressed that training and courses for police officers should be designed on modern lines with emphasis on imparting skills. He advised the graduating officers that as guardians of rights of citizens and under oath to adhere to constitution, “you have to ensure the rule of law, and exercise legitimately powers that are vested in you being government functionaries”.

He continued: "You have to exercise these powers as a sacred trust. It is when change of attitude is not only seen but also felt by public that prestige of the police forces will increase. They are in worldly sense the ultimate judge of your actions. You will be able to rise up to their expectations.”

At the end, the minister congratulated the graduating officers for stepping in the new professional life, reminding them of their responsibilities to safeguard national interests and maintaining peace in society by purging it of criminals.



Commandant of National Police Academy (NPA) Nasimuz Zaman also spoke on the occasion and highlighted different features of the ASPs' 18-month training.

Later, Iqbal along with the NPA commandant inspected the parade and distributed prizes among the officers showing best performances in different disciplines including academic, physical training, discipline and firing.

Earlier, participants of the ceremony offered Fateha for the Quetta blast martyrs and prayed for early recovery of the injured, at the request of the interior minister.