Common man should be given VIP treatment by police forces: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the police forces to give VIP treatment to all common man of the country and asked new recruits passed out today to bring forth a new policing force in the country, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a visit to Police Lines Headquarters in Islamabad where he attended the 33rd passing out parade of police recruits.

Upon his arrival of the police headquarters, a smartly turned out contingent of 11,000 personnel presented a general salute to PM Khan.

While addressing the event, PM Imran Khan congratulated the police recruits passed out today. He said that a nation could not achieve its development goals in an insecure environment. Police forces assure protection of citizens when the armed forces were busy in securing the borders of the country, he added.

He said that police forces possess a significant role in society and the police forces have played a big role to uplift Pakistan.

The premier said that it is also important for citizens to own the police forces.

The premier said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) raised the morale of the police forces when it became the victim of terrorism in 2013 and 500 policemen were martyred. The KP police department had bravely fought the menace of terrorism and won the confidence of the citizens.

He said that he will discuss the matter related to salaries of the Islamabad police with the Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

Amid the severe economic crisis, the expenditures of Prime Minister House and Office were reduced up to 60 to 70 per cent by the federal government. Pakistan posted a current account surplus after 17 years due to effective policies of the government, said PM Khan.

The premier said that it is also important for citizens to own the police forces. He added he will discuss the matter related to salaries of the Islamabad police with the Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

Amid the severe economic crisis, the expenditures of Prime Minister House and Office were reduced up to 60 to 70 per cent by the federal government. Pakistan posted a current account surplus after 17 years due to effective policies of the government, said PM Khan.

He added that salaries of all government employees including police personnel will be raised. He announced the provision of health cards to the families of police officials in order to give them medical insurance facility up to Rs1 million.

Moreover, the instalments of loans of the government employees will be paid from the rent allowance in Naya Pakistan Housing Program.

Interior Minister Shaikh Rasheed, while addressing the event, said that PM Imran Khan has exhibited respect for all police personnel who are performing duties in all parts of the country. He vowed that his ministry will increase the capacities of Islamabad police.

It is the first time in the history for a premier to review the passing out parade of police recruits. PM Imran Khan was accompanied by Interior Minister Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed. Secretary Interior and foreign diplomats have also attended the event.

During his visit, the premier laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. PM Khan will also address the police recruits at the Police Lines Headquarters.