PM Shehbaz lays foundation for new facilities at National Police Academy

(Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the National Police Academy in Islamabad, where he laid the foundation stones for the construction of a firing range and a hostel. The 52nd Common Batch passing-out parade was also held during the visit.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a master’s degree program at the academy, stating that the goal is to create an environment that reflects the standards required of a top-tier training institution.

Addressing the police force, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that after training, their duty is to deliver justice to the common citizen and ensure the protection of life and property. He added that peace must be maintained in both urban and rural areas, and achieving these objectives is only possible through top-quality training and facilities.

The Prime Minister also noted that, as Chief Minister of Punjab, he had established the Elite Force, which was not meant to protect elites, but rather to eliminate social evils. He further stated that he initiated the creation of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and established a forensic lab in Lahore. Under his leadership, 100% merit-based recruitment was implemented in the Punjab Police, which led to significant contributions in the fight against terrorism.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the passing-out parade, saying that a year ago, the academy was in a dilapidated state, lacking staff and functioning more as a dumping ground. He discussed the restoration of the academy with the Prime Minister.

Naqvi added that efforts are underway to upgrade the police academy and training standards to the level of the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA). The academy had once attracted trainees from other countries, and it will now host a UN program. New modern courses, including cybercrime and criminology, will be introduced, and trainers will be provided with competitive salaries.