LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday witnessed the 10th passing-out parade of 424 women police officials held at Police Training College Chung, ARY News reported.
316 of passed officials are from Punjab police while 108 others belong to Punjab highway patrolling. A smartly turned-out contingent of the passed-out police officials also presented the salute to the chief minister who congratulated them and prayed for their success in their profession.
Speaking on the ocassion, the chief minister said that Punjab government is following the policy of providing equal opportunities of progress and employment to the womenfolk in all public sector departments including police.
“It is satisfying that a large number of women police officials are already serving in different cities including the metropolis of Lahore. We will provide better job opportunities to the women in police in future as well,” said the CM.
He maintained that the passed-out police officials proved their mettle by exhibiting different professional skills.
“I am of the opinion that these police women will perform the duty of protecting the life and property of the people in the best possible way,” the CM said.
He reminded the audience that PTI government posted two women as district police officers for the first time in the country’s history and their performance shows that their selection was justified.
The chief minister said that public opinion about the police is not positive and the PTI government is working to depoliticise and reform the department to improve its performance.
“Punjab police has to emerge as a friend of the people of Punjab and the fear factor should be minimised. The police’s behaviour should be friendly,” said Usman Buzdar.
The chief minister, as the chief guest at the occasion, also distributed prizes among the best performing police officials.
Additional IG Azhar Hameed Khokhar and Commandant Tariq Chohan also addressed the ceremony.