Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar said on Tuesday that nothing is important than a person’s life and protection of life and property of the people is the first priority of the government. However, police culture cannot be improved without first changing the general conduct of the police.
While addressing the passing out parade of 57th recruit-class course of constables at Police Training Institute, Multan, the CM said that human life is the most precious in a society. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has set the line of action of every force that is deputed to protect the people with his actions which stresses maintaining the honour and prestige of human life. There is not a bigger virtue than the protection and service of human beings, he added. He said that people coming to police stations should be treated respectfully. Cooperation by people is pivotal in ensuring an effective action against criminals and for the maintenance of law and order in the society. However, a change in police attitude is fundamental to gain vigorous support of the people, he said. Police should, therefore, transform its behaviour to restore the confidence of people. It should deal with the people with courtesy because if the citizens are treated in a courteous manner then there is no reason that police emerges as an exemplary institution.
The CM said that Punjab police should also emerge as an example for other provinces adding that merit-based recruitments in police department are praiseworthy. He said that Punjab police have performed wonderful services for the eradication of terrorism. Its officers and jawans have sacrificed their precious lives and the nation fully acknowledges such sacrifices.
CM Buzdar also inaugurated the training college up-gradation project of Police Training Institute Multan and announced to upgrade the post of principal from senior superintendent police to the rank of deputy inspector general. Earlier, police constables presented a marvellous show of march-past and a smart contingent of the police presented salute to the CM. Buzdar inspected the passing out parade and gave away prizes to the best performers while the best performing company was given an honourary flag. A total of 1,147 officials from Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur and Faisalabad were given professional training in the institute. IG police also addressed the passing out parade.
If the PM is happy with my performance, then why are people upset, CM questions
Provincial ministers Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, Dr Akhtar Malik, the chief secretary and high officials attended the ceremony.
Separately, the CM also said that if my leader appreciates me then why are others upset? I will do for Punjab whatever I can. Whatever I have done within the initial 72 hours of Sahiwal tragedy has no resemblance in the past. The Joint Investigation Team is perfectly working and complete monitoring of steps is being done. We would go to every extent to provide justice, he added.
While talking to the media at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office in Toba Tek Singh, the CM said steps were taken within 72 hours of Sahiwal tragedy.
“The Punjab government has no role in calling the bereaved family to the senate committee. The police will have to adopt a people-friendly attitude,” he said.
Replying to a question, he said that notice of corruption and other illegal activities has been taken and investigation of water supply scheme in Toba Tek Singh will be done through anti-corruption establishment. It is the first government which understands the problems of the people by going at the grassroots. He said that a campaign has been started to visit every division and district for the sake of the people and government and the administration are gaining full understanding of the problems of the people.
Earlier, the CM had planted a sapling at the DC Office under the tree plantation campaign. He presided over a high-level meeting to review public welfare schemes and the situation of law and order in detail. He also issued necessary directions to the concerned officials.
Addressing the meeting, the CM said that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government has diverted the journey of development towards backward areas and added that public welfare schemes will be completed on priority basis in Toba Tek Singh. PTI is following the policy of composite development, he added.
The CM said that provision of conveyance in girls’ school will be ensured and industrial zones will be established as well. Similarly, expansion of District Headquarters Hospital will also be pondered over. Establishment of youth and women centres in every district is a good idea and steps will be taken in this regard.
Published in Daily Times, January 30th 2019.
