RAWALPINDI: The passing out parade of Special Protection Unit (SPU)’s newly-recruited constables was held at Police College Sihala on Saturday.

As many as 583 SPU recruits and 55 band staff constables received their basic training.

DIG Commandant Police College Sihala Rawalpindi Ashfaq Ahmed Khan was the chief guest of the ceremony.

The chief guest inspected the parade and said that the administration of Police College Sihala deserves congratulations for playing a crucial role in the completion of this course.

He said that the training of SPU had been carried out to ensure the required standards.

Mr Khan said that the hard work and passion with which the constables had completed the training should be reflected in their professional work.

“The police department plays an important role in establishing law and order in the country. The recruits are the identity of the institution. The role of constables is key to improving service delivery at police stations,” he said.

He said that Police College Sihala is the largest training institute in Pakistan, which was established in 1959 and has trained more than 0.1 million employees and officers of law enforcement agencies so far.

“The college is also honoured to train senior and basic ranks of police, who are the face of the department. The training focuses on basic principles of discipline and professional development,” he added.

Mr Khan further said that while designing the training, special importance was given to the basic needs of these officers. “Keeping in mind the fieldwork of the constable, all the modules were prepared with the guidance and support of the training directorate, which includes character building, legal studies, policing and physical training.”

As per the vision of the Punjab inspector general of the police, he said that police officials would be trained in anti-riot skills, rescue operations, basic computer techniques, police station record management system and mobile forensics. “Keeping in mind the physical fitness of these officers, they would receive complete training in patrolling and weapon handling.”

He congratulated all the trainee officers and their parents and said that he prayed for their future.

He distributed honourary swords and certificates among those who achieved prominent positions. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Commandant Abdul Rauf Babar, SP Hina Nek Bakht, SP Shoaib Aqeel, foreign guests and parents of the constables.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2025