CM vows continued investment in police modernisation at 132nd Passing-Out Parade

KARACHI, Jul 24 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement institutions, declaring that a modern, professionally trained and people-centric police force was essential for maintaining peace, combating terrorism and ensuring sustainable development across the province.

    Addressing the 132nd Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Training Course (RTC) Batch-5/2025 at the Shahid Hayat Police Training College, Saeedabad, the Chief Minister congratulated 974 newly trained recruits, including 315 women personnel and described them as a fresh and capable addition to the strength of Sindh Police.

    The ceremony was attended by Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho, Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan, Additional IG CTD Zulfiqar Larik, DIG Training Faizullah Korejo, Principal Shahid Hayat Police Training College, SSP Adeel Chandio, senior police officers, members of civil society and the families of the graduating recruits.

   A police contingent sounded the bugle to announce the Chief Minister’s arrival. He was received by senior police officers and later inspected the parade in a traditional open jeep.

    A smartly turned-out contingent presented a ceremonial salute, while the event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

The recruits took an oath pledging loyalty to the Constitution, service to the nation and adherence to the rule of law. They also presented impressive tactical and professional demonstrations reflecting the skills acquired during their training.

The Chief Minister distributed awards and honorary shields among outstanding recruits and later received a commemorative shield from the college administration.

Adressing the ceremony, Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the graduating recruits and commended the training staff for maintaining high professional standards. “I congratulate all 974 recruits who have completed their training. I am particularly pleased to see more than 300 women joining the force, which reflects the growing inclusivity and strength of Sindh Police,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the quality of training was evident from the discipline, confidence and precision displayed during the parade. “The excellent performance of the recruits demonstrates the high standards of training being imparted at Shahid Hayat Police Training College. Modern policing requires modern skills, and I am pleased to see that our young officers are being equipped to meet contemporary challenges.”

Addressing the newly graduated personnel, the CM reminded them of their responsibilities as guardians of public safety.

“You are the protectors of the lives and property of our people. The citizens of Sindh, civil society and the government have great expectations from you. Every citizen desires a peaceful life, and helping to ensure that peace is a responsibility that rests heavily on your shoulders.”

The Chief Minister urged the recruits to uphold professionalism, integrity and public service throughout their careers. “Professional competence, honesty and dedication to public service must become the defining characteristics of Sindh Police. Public trust can only be earned through performance, fairness and commitment to duty.”

 Shah emphasised that bringing criminals and lawbreakers before the courts remained one of the police force’s fundamental responsibilities. “Crime prevention and effective law enforcement require commitment, courage and professionalism. You must never compromise on your duty to uphold the rule of law.”

The Chief Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices rendered by Sindh Police in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. “Our beloved country continues to face the challenge of terrorism, but the officers and personnel of Sindh Police have confronted these threats with remarkable bravery and courage. Their sacrifices and those of our martyrs have contributed significantly to restoring peace and stability.”

Murad Shah said Sindh Police had played a leading role in implementing the National Action Plan and bringing terrorists and criminals to justice. “The relentless operations carried out by Sindh Police against terrorists and criminal elements are a practical manifestation of our national resolve. Because of the sacrifices of our police personnel, the security situation across Sindh, particularly in Karachi, has improved considerably.”

Referring to ongoing law-enforcement efforts, the Chief Minister noted that the government remained focused on improving policing standards across urban and rural areas. “Maintaining law and order remains our highest priority because peace is the foundation of economic growth, investment and social progress.”

Government’s commitment to police modernisation

Murad Shah reiterated that the Sindh government would continue investing in police welfare, training and infrastructure. “Our government is fully committed to enhancing the capacity of Sindh Police and providing modern facilities, equipment and training opportunities. Police welfare has always remained among my top priorities, and we will continue addressing the force’s needs on a priority basis.”

The CM encouraged the newly graduated personnel to serve with courage and dedication. “I am confident that you will uphold the finest traditions of Sindh Police and contribute to building a safer and more secure society. I wish you success in your professional careers and look forward to seeing you bring further honour to the force.”

Earlier, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho congratulated the graduating recruits and stressed the importance of professional policing in addressing emerging security challenges. “A police force derives its strength from the quality of its human resources. Protecting citizens, ensuring justice and serving the public with sincerity remain our core responsibilities,” he said.

The IG urged the recruits to earn public confidence through professionalism, integrity and good conduct. “The police uniform is both an honour and a test. The people and government of Sindh look towards the police force with high expectations.”

Highlighting institutional requirements, he proposed transforming Shahid Hayat Police Training College Saeedabad and Police Training College Shahdadpur into Centres of Excellence. He informed the gathering that approximately Rs9.045 billion would be required for the upgradation of the two institutions.

He also sought enhanced training allowances for instructors, additional operational funding, creation of new training posts and upgradation of police training facilities at Razzaqabad, Sakrand and Hyderabad.

Principal highlights training achievements

Presenting the welcome address, Principal Shahid Hayat, Police Training College SSP Adeel Chandio highlighted the institution’s achievements and future requirements.

He informed the audience that since its establishment in 1984, the college had trained more than 95,000 police officers and personnel through 131 batches. Besides Sindh Police, officers from Balochistan Police, Gilgit-Baltistan Police, Islamabad Police, Pakistan Railways Police, Motorway Police, Anti-Corruption Establishments and the FIA had also received training at the institution.

Principal SSP Chandio said the current batch comprised 974 recruits, including 315 women personnel, who had undergone rigorous training in law, investigation techniques, technology-based policing, safe weapons handling, ethics and professional conduct.

He noted that retired senior police officers, judges, lawyers and subject specialists had been engaged to deliver lectures and practical training sessions.

The principal also highlighted recent improvements in campus security, including strengthened perimeter security, installation of protective barriers, barbed-wire fencing, enhanced surveillance arrangements and improved mobility infrastructure.

Under the “Green Saeedabad” initiative, more than 2,000 trees and plants had been planted on the campus, while facilities such as food services, drinking water and trainee accommodations had also been improved.

He requested government support for the construction of a concrete boundary wall, additional residential barracks, new mess facilities, a water supply scheme, underground water reservoirs, improved drainage infrastructure, modern surveillance systems, bulletproof jackets, advanced weapons and a state-of-the-art monitoring and control room.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the Chief Minister, senior police officers and the graduating recruits, marking the successful completion of another training cycle aimed at strengthening Sindh Police’s capacity to meet contemporary law-enforcement challenges and safeguard the province’s hard-earned peace.