ISLAMABAD – A graduation ceremony of passing-out Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) of the 38th Specialised Training Programme (STP) was held here at National Police Academy on Wednesday.
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“It is a matter of immense pleasure for me to be amongst young police officers of 38th Specialised Training Programme at the National Police Academy, today at their passing-out ceremony. This day marks an important turning point in your lives as you venture out to take up your assignments in the field,” Prime Minister said during his short address on the occasion.
He was of the opinion that Police service is a public face of the state apparatus. The dreaded ‘Thana Culture’ has cast a dark shadow on its performance. “I expect you to work and change this perception. Make them feel that you are their friends and protectors. I am confident that you have the requisite determination, calibre, and training to come up to the people’s expectations,” PM said.
The PM especially mentioned that the menace of terrorism threatens the very fabric of our society, life and security of our people. Its nexus with the crime makes the task of police even more challenging. This calls for a proactive role by the police to rise to the occasion and nip this evil in the bud.
However, he said, law enforcement agencies will have to increase intelligence sharing and coordination among themselves to combat terrorism. We have to adopt a holistic approach to combat the menace. I urge police to maintain close relationship with the local community. Interaction with the community would not only provide police information about anti-national and anti-social elements but also deny criminals refuge. This is only possible if they are not feared but respected.
Prime Minister made it loud and clear that Policing is a very dynamic and demanding profession. Given the varied nature of challenges, old concepts must give way to innovative approach for crime management.
The poor state of investigation, he said, is a matter of serious concern. Those accused of crimes are not convicted by the courts due to poor investigation and lack of evidence.
“We cannot allow criminals and terrorists to get away, due to lack or failure to gather evidence, admissible in a court of law. Pakistan’s Parliament has recently passed ‘A Right to Fair Trial Bill’ to plug the legal loopholes invoked by criminals. This will strengthen law enforcement agencies to place evidence collected by them previously inadmissible in courts,” Prime Minister said.
He asked the fresh police graduates to use their skills to curb terrorism.
“ Let me state very clearly, that these powers are meant to curb terrorism and violence. In no way is it, a license to suppress human rights or dent human dignity. A democracy cannot allow a police state. Obsolete methods of investigation and evidence collection employed by the police need to be shunned.
There is a need for increased reliance on scientific methods of investigation,” PM said.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf asked the people to full confidence in the investigation carried out by the police. These investigations, he said, should be based on credible as well as admissible evidence.
He further said the government commends the courage with which the police have been dealing with the menace of terrorism. A large number of officers and jawans have offered the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The nation is proud of these police officers and jawans.
“The Police Academy, I am confident, must have taught the graduating officers who have gone through rigorous training, the need of serving the society, and upholding basic human rights of the citizens as well as facing the current challenges. You have joined a profession, which places a great responsibility on your shoulders. It demands an unflinching dedication, utmost devotion and commitment,” Prime Minister said addressing the police graduates and the audience.
