ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that police had to internalize the use of modern technology in its system in order to improve response time and cut down operational delays. “Police have an important role to deal with challenges faced by country including terrorism,” he said while addressing the passing out parade of 19th initial command course/43rd Specialised Training Programme (STP) of Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) at the National Police Academy. “Pakistan needs heroes. Our security agencies are rendering sacrifices daily and you have to take forward their legacy and write a new chapter of valour,” he said. “The role and duties of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are of pivotal importance for stability and socio-economic advancement of our country,” he said. “The solution to this enigma lies in training police force in dealing with crime on scientific basis, equipping them with modern gadgetry and synergizing them with a sense of duty and professionalism,” he said. The minister said he was impressed that these passing out officers are well-equipped for facing challenges that confront the police force and society. “I am impressed by smartly turn out of these young officers and men. It is also my hope and prayer that these officers will have a long, successful and meritorious career that will be dedicated to service of people of Pakistan,” he said, and added that the public had great expectations from them. “It is our rightful demand that their services should be at par with services rendered by advanced police organisations in developed countries to their citizens. Our nation is facing a grave threat from non-state actors today. The innumerable sacrifices given by our public, the LEAs and police have helped in stemming tide of terrorism. In fact, history of Pakistan is being rewritten by blood of martyrs,” Ahsan Iqbal said. “We have laid down more than 60,000 lives to ensure survival and bright future of Pakistan. Similarly, losses worth billions of dollars have also been suffered. All this has increased our resolve to continue our struggle till final victory,” he said. Ahsan Iqbal said terrorists wanted to break the will of the government and people by attacking soft targets. “I want to emphasize one thing here that picture is not all grey. There is a silver lining on horizon. We are blessed with huge resources. We have a young population. Our people are talented. We have scientific, technological and business skills. We are a large market and are in process of utilizing our resources for optimal effect, but for this we need stability at home and in our region.” He said in battle against terrorists and criminals, the role of public was vital and involvement of public was only possible through community policing. “In such a scenario, the police are no longer considered the sole guardians of law and order. Rather all members of community become active allies in effort to enhance safety and quality of neighborhoods,” he said. He said a police officer, in fact, could help community members in mobilizing support and resources to solve problems and enhance their quality of life. “Only then will community members voice their concerns, contribute through advice and act as vigilant members to collect information regarding activities of terrorists/criminals and take action to address these threats,” he said. “If we need top class policemen, we shall have to provide for excellent training,” he said. Ahsan Iqbal stressed that training for police officers should be designed on modern lines with emphasis on imparting skills. “You have to exercise these powers as a sacred trust. It is when change of attitude is not only seen but also felt by public that prestige of the police forces will increase. They are in worldly sense the ultimate judge of your actions. You will be able to rise up to their expectations,” he said. Published in Daily Times, November 11th 2017.