ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday said the fight against terrorism was not the responsibility of any single institution but a collective struggle of the state and society, emphasizing that the Balochistan Police would remain at the forefront of efforts to maintain peace and defeat violent elements.
Addressing a ceremony at the National Police Academy in Islamabad marking the completion of training for newly appointed Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) of the Balochistan Police, the chief minister said the provincial government was committed to equipping the police force with modern technology, quality training and a professional environment free from political interference and undue pressure.
He said merit had been established as the guiding principle in appointments, transfers and professional responsibilities within the police force, adding that decisions regarding the suitability of officers for various assignments should be made by the police leadership itself. According to Sarfraz, the supremacy of merit would play a pivotal role in restoring young people’s trust in state institutions.
Bugti said all pillars of the state must demonstrate through practical action that young people would be recruited, promoted and entrusted with responsibilities purely on merit, enabling them to serve according to their professional capabilities without political influence.
National Police Academy Commandant IGP Saad Bharwana presented the welcome address at the ceremony, which was attended by Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Khan, newly trained police officers, participants of the Mid-Career Management Course, officers of the Police Service of Pakistan and officials of the National Accountability Bureau.
The chief minister stressed that professional autonomy and merit should not be interpreted as a licence for police officers to consider themselves above the public. He said police personnel were servants of both the state and the people and must discharge their duties with integrity, dignity and a strong sense of responsibility.
Referring to the extension of police jurisdiction across Balochistan following its declaration as a complete “A Area”, Bugti said the development brought both a major responsibility and a significant opportunity. He expressed confidence that the newly trained officers would enhance the reputation of the province and the country through their professionalism, courage and commitment to duty.
He noted that while combating organised crime remained a core responsibility of the police, terrorism had emerged as one of the most serious contemporary challenges. Terrorist groups, he said, sought to divide Pakistan through violence and the killing of innocent citizens, but the government and police were determined to confront and defeat such threats.
“The war against terrorism is not merely a conflict between the armed forces and terrorists. It is a fight involving the entire state and society, including civil society, police, bureaucracy, politicians and the judiciary,” he said.
Sarfraz Bugti added that Balochistan Police would stand on the front lines in this struggle and fulfil its responsibility of defending the country with courage and determination. He said the nation needed the abilities, bravery and spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by its young officers and expressed confidence that the police force would successfully counter violent extremists targeting innocent civilians.
Paying tribute to police sacrifices, the chief minister said the Balochistan Police had rendered invaluable services and laid down numerous lives in the cause of peace and national security. He said the force would continue to play its frontline role against terrorism without fear or hesitation.
He maintained that the doors of reconciliation remained open for those willing to surrender before the state and abandon violence. However, he said, no group would be permitted to impose its ideology through the use of force and weapons.
The chief minister underlined that the lawful use of force rested solely with the state and that police, law-enforcement agencies, paramilitary forces and the armed forces were entrusted with exercising that authority to protect citizens and defend the country.
Sarfraz Bugti expressed confidence that under the leadership of IGP Muhammad Tahir Khan, the Balochistan Police would continue its effective action against terrorists, criminals and elements seeking to create disorder in society.
He pledged continued provincial government support to help the police overcome challenges, combat terrorism and crime, and maintain a conducive professional environment.
The chief minister also thanked Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for facilitating training opportunities for Balochistan Police officers at what he described as the country’s premier police academy. He praised the commandant, instructors and staff of the National Police Academy for their efforts in providing comprehensive physical, moral and professional training to the officers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mir Sarfraz Bugti distributed training completion certificates and awards among the graduating DSPs. Ms Qurrat-ul-Ain, who demonstrated outstanding performance during training, was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour. Certificates were also distributed among participants of the Mid-Career Management Course, officers of the Police Service of Pakistan and officials of the National Accountability Bureau.
The chief minister conveyed his best wishes to all graduating officers and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to national security, stability and development.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
