Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has reiterated his government's commitment to make Pakistan a progressive, modern, developed, enlightened and democratic Islamic country with a vibrant and growing economy. He was addressing the passing out parade of police officers at National Police Academy in Islamabad on Saturday.
He said good social order, a stable investment environment and rigorous enforcement of the laws were indispensable for the country to sustain its status as business, trade and commercial centre for South Asia, West Asia and Central Asia.
The Prime Minister said the role of police had changed drastically with changing nature of issues and crimes. Incidents of 9/11 and 7/7 had posed serious challenges to security outfits.
While safety and security of people remained primary concern, law-enforcing agencies had to deal with terrorism, violence against women and children, human rights issues and other crimes.
He said those elements working against the integrity of the country and Islam would be dealt with severely and added that police officers had great responsibility in this connection.
Shaukat Aziz said government was continuing its efforts to build up an effective but humane and civil, skilled, disciplined and corruption-free police administration.
He said significant changes were underway in the police department. "We have been transforming the work environment through Police Order 2002," he added.
He credited present government for introducing two significant pieces of legislation, Legal Reforms Bill and Illegal dispossession Act, to provide relief and speedy and inexpensive justice to the common man.
Government would implement laws against terrorism and promote zero tolerance against this menace. Inappropriate use of loudspeakers and publication of hate material would be eliminated.
He said re-organisation of intelligence agencies and CID is being carried out keeping in view the new world scenario.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for establishing close partnerships between the community and the police as crime could never be neutralised without it. The community must help the police to build a crime free environment.
While congratulating the graduating police officers, the Prime Minister called upon them to work with commitment, devotion and determination.
On the occasion, he announced that all needs of the Academy would be fulfilled.
The Commandant of the National Police Academy delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inspected the parade, took salute and distributed prizes among the graduating ASPs.