Bugti stresses merit as new Balochistan Police DSPs complete training in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said the provincial government is committed to providing Balochistan Police with modern equipment, quality training and an environment where postings and transfers are made on merit, with no room for political interference or pressure.

He was addressing a ceremony held on Friday at the National Police Academy, Islamabad, to mark the completion of training by newly appointed Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) of Balochistan Police.

The Commandant of the National Police Academy, IGP Saad Bharwana, presented the address of welcome. Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Khan, the officers of Balochistan Police who completed their training, participants of the Mid-Career Management Course, and officers of the Police Service of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau were also present.

Merit and public service

The Chief Minister said merit and professional independence did not mean that police officers should consider themselves above the public or rulers. Police officers are servants of the state and the people. They must serve the people of Balochistan with honesty, dignity and a sense of responsibility.

He said the supremacy of merit would play a key role, especially in restoring the young generation’s trust in the state. All pillars of the state must show the youth of Balochistan through their actions that they will be recruited on merit, given responsibilities on merit, and will be able to serve according to their professional abilities without political interference.

He said that today they carry greater responsibilities than before, because Balochistan has been declared an A-area in full. This is a big responsibility as well as an important opportunity, and “we have to prove that this decision was taken for a better future for coming generations and for effective Law and Order in the province”.

Addressing the officers who completed their training, he said he was confident that these young officers would bring honour to the province and the country through their character, professional conduct, performance of duty and bold response to the challenges before them.

The fight against terrorism

He said the basic duty of the police is to end organised crime, but in the present circumstances Terrorism has also become a major challenge. Small groups of terrorists have malicious designs to divide Pakistan through violence and the killing of innocent citizens, but the Balochistan government and Balochistan Police are not ready to back away from this fight.

The Chief Minister made clear that the war against Terrorism is not a limited fight between the Pakistan Army and terrorist elements, but a war of the whole state and society. All institutions, including civil society, the police, the bureaucracy, politicians and the judiciary, have to play their part. Balochistan Police will stand on the front line in this war and will fulfil its duty to defend the homeland with full courage and resolve.

He said the motherland needs the abilities, bravery and spirit of sacrifice of these young officers. He was confident that Balochistan Police, through its professional skill and unmatched sacrifices, would defeat the violent elements targeting innocent citizens.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti said Balochistan Police had made countless sacrifices for peace, and that “we have no regret but pride” in those who gave their lives to protect the beloved homeland. In the coming days too, police officers will have to play their part on the front line against Terrorism without fear, and prove that a few violent elements cannot divide Pakistan.

He said the doors are always open for those who lay down their arms before the state of Pakistan and give up the path of violence. However, those who want to impose their ideas by force of the gun will not be allowed to do so.

The Chief Minister said only the state has the lawful and legal authority to use force. Personnel of the police, law enforcement agencies, paramilitary forces and the armed forces ensure the defence of the country and the protection of citizens by fulfilling this duty of the state.

Under the leadership of the head of Balochistan Police, Muhammad Tahir, the police force will play an effective role against terrorists, criminals and those who create unrest and disorder in society. The provincial government will continue to give every possible support to Balochistan Police in dealing with its challenges, ending Terrorism and crime, and providing a suitable professional environment for the police.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti offered special thanks to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He said that giving Balochistan Police officers the chance to train at the best police academy in Pakistan was a commendable step. He also praised the Commandant of the National Police Academy, the trainers and the staff, who worked day and night to complete the physical, moral and professional training of the officers.

He expressed the hope that the officers returning to Balochistan after completing their training would prove the labour of the academy, teachers and trainers successful through their performance, and would build their identity as capable, responsible and respected police officers.

At the end of the ceremony, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti distributed training completion certificates and awards among the Balochistan Police DSPs who completed their training. Probationer Ms Qurat-ul-Ain, the best performer, was awarded the Sword of Honour. The Chief Minister also distributed certificates among the participants of the Mid-Career Management Course and officers of the Police Service of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau.

The Chief Minister extended good wishes to all the officers who completed their training and said his prayers and full support were with them. He thanked the Pakistan Police Academy for the invitation and reaffirmed his resolve for the security, stability and progress of Pakistan.