LAHORE: A sub-inspector (SI) has completed his PhD in Chemistry from the Government College University while simultaneously fulfilling his official responsibilities.

Dr Muhammad Irfan, who is posted as investigation in-charge at the Wahdat Colony police station, had joined the police department in 2007 as assistant sub-inspector after completing his Masters in Chemistry.

He continued studying and enrolled himself in an MPhil programme in 2011 and later in PhD in 2016. He continued his service along with his studies. Narrating his tale, Dr Irfan said he was lucky enough to get posted in the Punjab Constabulary and later in the investigation wing. “My family and officers also played a positive role in ensuring a conducive environment for me to study,” he said.

He said it was difficult to study along with the job, but he did not lose hope.

“On several occasions, I had to complete my assignments all night and in the morning join my duty after submitting those assignments,” he added.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shoaib Dastgir said completion of a PhD degree by a policeman during service was a unique honour and SI Irfan had enhanced the respect and prestige of the department by acquiring it. He expressed these views during a meeting with Irfan at the Central Police Office on Friday.

The IGP awarded SI Irfan with a cash prize and ceremonial certificate for his achievement.

Irfan expressed his gratitude to the IGP for the acknowledgement and said the encouragement had strengthened his commitment.

“I will work harder and with more commitment by rendering my knowledge, abilities and skills for the protection of wealth and lives of people and for provision of justice and service delivery to the citizens,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2020