Chief of Defence Force (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised that a strong, professional, and people-centric police force is indispensable for ensuring internal security and the rule of law, according to an Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Tuesday.

The army chief made these remarks during a visit to the National Police Academy in Islamabad, where he addressed senior police officials, and interacted with officers of the Police Service of Pakistan.

CDF Munir also acknowledged the supreme sacrifices rendered by police personnel in the face of terrorism, crime and internal security challenges, it stated.

“The field marshal remarked that the duty of the police to enforce law and order is a sacred trust and that the armed forces will always stand fully with the brave and proud police personnel of Pakistan,” said the statement.

The senior police leadership, on the occasion, reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening policing standards, enhancing professional capacity and advancing necessary institutional reforms to meet contemporary security challenges, it said.

The statement further said the field marshal was “briefed on the School for High-Impact Elite Law Enforcement Development (SHIELD), as well as training programs and initiatives aimed at capacity building and modernisation of the police”.

“He also interacted with Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), where he highlighted the pivotal role of the police as the first line of defence in safeguarding the lives, property, and honour of citizens.”

During the visit, CDF Munir also laid a wreath at the Police Martyrs’ Monument and offered prayers for martyrs, “paying solemn tribute to the Shuhada of the Police who laid down their lives in the line of duty while safeguarding peace, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring public safety across the country”.

The military’s media wing stated that the CDF was presented with a guard of honour on arrival at the academy and was received by the commandant.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry were also present during the visit.

Last week, Naqvi visited the National Police Academy and reviewed the ongoing renovation. He also gave necessary instructions to the commandant.