ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the National Police Academy in Islamabad, where he laid the foundation stones for a new firing range and a hostel facility aimed at enhancing training infrastructure for police officers.
The visit coincided with the passing-out parade of the 52nd Common Batch, where the prime minister addressed the graduating officers and announced the launch of a master’s degree program within the academy to further professionalize the force.
Speaking to the cadets and officers, PM Shehbaz emphasized that training alone is not enough—police officers must also ensure justice and protect life and property for all citizens, both in urban and rural areas. He said the real test begins after training, when officers are expected to uphold the law and secure public trust.
He highlighted his past contributions as Chief Minister of Punjab, where he established the Elite Force, launched the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and set up a state-of-the-art forensic lab in Lahore. “The Elite Force was created not to protect elites but to fight crime and terrorism,” he said. He also noted that 100% merit-based recruitment in Punjab Police helped enhance operational effectiveness.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also addressed the ceremony. He recalled that just a year ago, the police academy was in poor condition, with no proper staff and decaying infrastructure. After consultations with the prime minister, the government began efforts to revamp the facility.
Naqvi said the academy would soon operate on the model of the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), offering modern courses in cybercrime, criminology, and other key areas. He added that training officers would be offered competitive salaries, and that United Nations-backed training programs would soon begin at the facility.
The event marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to modernize police training and reform the criminal justice system by investing in both facilities and human resources.