RAWALPINDI: Inspector general of Police Punjab Aamir Zulfiqar Khan said that his top priority is to ensure that the police force received modern professional training and “we must take responsibility for our own actions in order to restore the public’s respect for the police force”.

The IGP was visiting Police Training College Sihala on Thursday.

In his welcome address, Commandant Sihala College Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ashfaq Ahmad Khan gave a history of the college and professional training it offered to cadets.

He said that more than 100,000 officers and personnel from Sri Lanka, Africa, Kenya and other institutions have received training from Sihala College.

IGP Aamir Zulfiqar Khan said: “The salaries of the entire police force, including his, come from the taxes of people, so we also have to serve the people in the true sense.  One has to become their true protector by winning their hearts with one’s good behavior and dutifulness along with protection of life and property of people.”

The IGP stressed upon all the trainers to pay special attention to character building along with imparting professional skills to trainee personnel so that they leave no stone unturned in the service and safety of the citizens after completing the training.

IG Zulfiqar said that approval will be sought from the government for an increase of amount from Rs150 to Rs250 per person for food of officers under training while all possible steps are being taken to provide more resources and facilities.

The Punjab IG said the budget of police training colleges and institutions should be distributed through additional IG training so that better and efficient use of resources may become possible.

He further said that along with training activities, extracurricular and healthy activities should also be promoted in training colleges.

The Punjab IG also reviewed the training matters and various branches of the college.

IG Punjab visited various classrooms, IT lab, simulators and library including other branches in Sihala College and inspected training matters while talking to the personnel under training.

IG Punjab inaugurated the newly constructed park and walking track for the training exercises of trainee officers at Sihala College.

He also laid the foundation stones of the Construction School of Investigation and building of Hostel No. 17 in Campus II at Sihala College.  He also issued important instructions to trainee officers and trainers in the auditorium.

IG Punjab directed the trainees to perform their duties with diligence, hard work and honesty for restoring dignity of police force in society.

On this occasion, various officials presented their problems to the IG, for which orders were issued on the spot. 

IG Punjab said that special measures should be continued for the accommodation and professional training of the personnel under training.

Additional IG Training Zulfiqar Hameed, Commandant Sihala DIG Ashfaq Ahmed Khan, DIG Training Kamran Adil and other officers were also present on this occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2023