PESHAWAR, Jan 31: The entire police department of the NWFP was proud of unparalleled sacrifices rendered by police officers and jawans in the line of duty during Muharram in Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan, according to IGP Sharif Virk.

He was addressing office-bearers of different peace committees, social welfare organisations and traders at the Police Command Post on Tuesday night.

According to a handout issued here on Wednesday, he said that policemen had been providing protection to people’s life, honour and property at the cost of their own lives.

He pointed out that the president and the prime minister had acknowledged the security arrangements made by the NWFP police during Muharram and had also praised their sacrifices.

The IGP maintained that there were no two opinions about the professionalism of the NWFP police force, adding that it had an edge over other police forces of the country.

He said that the NWFP police would not be threatened or deterred by incidents of violence targeting them.

He said that the culprits involved in the terrorist incidents would be identified and strict action would be taken against them.

He said that because of the strict vigilance of the police, a bomb and explosive materials had been recovered in Kohat while three landmines weighing 15kg each had been defused in Bannu.

Later, the IGP addressed the police jawans and said that their courage and sincerity during crisis was commendable.

He said that police duty was like a religious duty and hoped that the police would continue their jehad against criminals, adding that the police would succeed in war against criminals with active public support.

The IGP thanked different social organizations, traders, peace committees and citizens for their support and hoped that it will continue in future too.—APP