Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal Wednesday called remarks of United States President, Donald Trump as disappointing, saying Pakistan has given innumerable sacrifices in war against terrorism to maintain stability and peace in region.
“Pakistan is collaborating with international community and playing vital role for establishment of peace. Our people, armed forces, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and police have given sacrifices and country’s economy suffered huge financial losses,” he said.
The Minister was addressing a ceremony where newly established Anti-Riot Unit (ARU) of Islamabad Police demonstrated their skills in different formations. The ARU, comprising 2,000 personnel would deal with protests and sit-ins in future in Federal Capital.
The demonstration ceremony was attended by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Islamabad, Sultan Azam Taimuri, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, officers and officials of Islamabad police.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistanis were honourable and dignified nation and no one had right to raise finger on its dignity.
He said the successful operation of Pakistan’s security forces had weakened networks of terrorists who were on the run and added no country had greater stake in Afghanistan’s peace than Pakistan.
“We made National Action Plan (NAP) and launched a full-fledged operation against terrorists in the country,” he said.
“I want to made it clear to US Pakistan is collecting those thorns which were thrown or spread by US,” he said.
Congratulating the ARU of Islamabad Police on completion of training of 586 personnel in first phase, Ahsan Iqbal said ARU was proposed to be formed to ensure law and order in Islamabad.
Ahsan Iqbal said in this era of innovations, police needed to adopt technologies to put the force on modern lines and curb crimes.
He said acquiring technologies was an easy task but main thing was its appropriate usage. The maximum usage of technology would definitely ensure ease in lives of citizens and further improve performance of police.
Ahsan Iqbal said the system of policing could not be improved without the participation of community and said he had directed the IGP to introduce reforms to make Islamabad police an exemplary for others.
He said training courses of Islamabad police were also being arranged with lectures from national and international experts on modern policing so as to improve professional conduct of police.
Special leadership course for SHOs was also being arranged in Islamabad, he added.
He directed the police department to ensure people friendly attitude and pursue zero tolerance on all crimes.
He said model police station project in federal capital should be expedited and be made exemplary for the rest of provinces with the sole objective to facilitate common people.
At the same time, he said the idea of community policing should be materialized while benefiting from state-of-the-art technology.
Ahsan Iqbal said a reward system for SHO, Junior Officer and Jawans of the month was being introduced. The policemen exhibiting outstanding performance should also be given cash prizes.
The Minister said role of police in society was of prime importance as no country could progress without improved law and order. “Peace is very much important for development as is oxygen necessary for human life,” he said and added the societies having instability and insurgency could not meet the pace of progress. Ahsan Iqbal said police were not only doing its own duty but also playing a vital role in development of the country.
He said it was the police which performed its duty day and night so that citizens could sleep without any fear. “We are proud of the services and sacrifices of our police,” he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said police vehicles were being equipped with modern gadgets and deployment of additional staff being ensured
so that monitoring system under safe city project could be further strengthened.
The Minister said Islamabad Police should take the lead in the country for police reforms to adopt smart and community policing.
He said the first batch of Rapid Response Force which has been imparted training to keep them abreast with security challenges, would be rolled out soon.
In his brief address, Sultan Azam Taimuri said a 586-personnel strong anti-riot unit has been trained at Police Lines with an aim to control situation during protests and demonstrations.
The ARU case has been sent to Ministry of Finance while
Master Trainers of Punjab police have imparted training to police personnel including a contingent of lady police.
The Unit would be provided with latest anti-riot kits and other equipments, he said.
On the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal awarded prizes to trainers from Lahore Police and witnessed demonstration exhibited by personnel of ARU.

Source: APP