IGP stresses capacity-building of Punjab police force

Says police will have to win public confidence to eliminate crimes

LAHORE: Inspector General Police Punjab Captain (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan has said eradication of antisocial elements and upholding the rule of law was the major task of the police force for which the modern training professional skills were needed.

He expressed these views while directing officers during his visit to Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh Lahore on Friday.

He said special modules and special short courses to counter terrorism should be arranged for undertraining police officials so that they can effectively play their role to protect the life and wealth of the public. The IGP further said police have no other option other than winning public confidence with the best performance so without considering the obstacles of lack of resources and manpower all should work with hard work, and honesty to take every possible measure to address the public complaints.

He said senior officers should personally take interest in improving the working conditions of police stations while especially focusing welfare of the official performing his duty in hostile weather. “Without positive public opinion, our hard work and performance were meaningless so the public should be dealt with in good demeanour and should serve the public with effective team spirit and improved service delivery,” he said.

“All available resources should be utilised to provide health and hygienic environment in training colleges and schools and special attention should be paid to recreational activities and sports competitions.

The IGP examined the security arrangement of Police Lines. The CCPO Lahore briefed the IGP about the performance of Lahore Police and major challenges faced by the Police force. Arif also directed the officials that to restore the image of the police, there was a dire need to bring the Positive changes in Police Stations.

He directed the officers to conduct regular inspection of police stations and also ensure taking every possible step for the betterment of police stations.

He also directed them to take care of the welfare of officials so that they could perform to their full potential without worrying about their children and family.

The IGP directed the officers that in the modern world without smart and community policing so officials should be trained to deal with the public in a congenial and friendly manner so that they can play an effective role in confidence building between police and public.

He said arranging special lectures of master trainers to further improve the confidence between public and police and also a strict action against the aerial firing, kite flying and string should be ensured.

During his visit to Resource Management Centre, the IGP appreciated the performance of Syed Karar Hussain for the digitisation of equipment and uniform of police. He said best training to police officials was among the top priority and in this regard, steps would be taken utilising all available resources.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2019.