CM urges IGP to modernise police

Says Sindh government will provide funds for new weaponry, gadgets

HYDERABAD/KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged Sindh police chief Mushtaq Mahar on Friday to modernise the police force by equipping it with the latest gadgets and weapons and training cops for handling riots, fighting terrorists and bandits and meeting other challenges.

The CM was speaking at a ceremony at the police training school in Larkana, where he distributed offer letters among newly recruited assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs). He assured them that the police would not face any constraints with regards to funds needed for modernising the force.

"The Sindh police is the oldest police force in South Asia and it ought to be brought at par with its counterparts in the developing world," he stated.

Shah recalled that the Sindh police had procured GSM locators of an old model some years ago and asked the IGP to upgrade those devices besides procuring new gadgets to help improve the policing.

He assured Mahar that the provincial government would provide funds to procure modern technology and weaponry for the police.

Besides, the CM acknowledged the sacrifices offered by cops to defeat terrorism in Karachi. "The police, along with the other law enforcement agencies, have defeated terrorists and today, Karachi is a peaceful city where trade, industry, education and other sectors are making progress."

Moreover, he said development was not possible without effective policing as law and order problems acted as a barrier to conducting business activities, stifling growth in the process.

"A bad law and order [situation] has always been an impediment in the way of development work," he remarked.

"But when the police restore law and order, development is carried out smoothly and this way, policemen have an important role to play in the province's development."

He further announced that his government was constructing a bridge on the Indus River to connect Ghotki district with Kandhkot, recalling that the project became possible only after the police dealt with the menace of dacoits inhabiting the riverbed forests in those areas.

The CM also lauded the frontline role played by policemen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said he wanted to see the reflection of ASI Muhammad Bux Buriro, who rescued a child from rapists in Kashmore by risking the life of his own daughter, in the performance of all the graduating ASIs.

Six women and 87 men, who qualified for recruitment in the police after passing the Sindh Public Service Commission exam, were given offer letters on the occasion.

Congratulating them, the CM said, "Serving as the police is a sacred profession as policemen work for ensuring people's safety and security, protecting their lives and properties." He added, "Your uniform holds great importance and it is respected in society. Now… you will have to work towards enhancing its respect and dignity in society."

He urged the new recruits to adopt the principles of honesty, integrity, hard work and dedication while performing their duties.