Police training courses halted for Muharram

The Punjab Police have halted all ongoing courses at its training centres across the province to ensure security during Muharramul Haram. The training centres have been vacated by the trainees who will resume training on July 22.

The Additional IG Training Punjab, on behalf of the IG Punjab, has issued a letter to the Commandants of Training Colleges, stating that all training courses in police training colleges have been temporarily suspended and postponed to ensure security, systematic surveillance, and general law and order duties during the Muharram period to meet the shortage of force.

Specialised operational, investigation, intelligence courses, and advanced class courses have been postponed at the Police Training Colleges of Sihala, Lahore, and Multan. The letter also states that the courses have been postponed till July 22.

Police officers and staff undergoing training at the Sihala Police Training College and other training colleges were directed to report to their respective districts immediately upon receipt of the order. Consequently, police officers and staff hastily packed their belongings and vacated the campuses overnight, departing for their assigned districts.

Courses were suddenly postponed a few weeks before Muharram, leaving police officers and staff in a state of perplexity. Many of them noted that such a break had never been given before Muharram in the past.

However, a senior Punjab Police officer clarified that the courses were suspended temporarily to ensure foolproof security. The officer explained that several SHO-level officers and others seeking departmental promotions were among the course participants, adding the training would resume fully once their duties were completed.