ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police would be equipped on modern lines and will be made an exemplary force for other law enforcement agencies by their performance and support from the community. This was promised by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal while inaugurating the Secretariat police station as Model Police Station on Thursday. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr Sultan Azam Temuri, Acting Chief Commissioner Islamabad Captain (r) Mushtaq Ahmad, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Waqar Ahmad Chohan, DIG Headquarters Nasir Mehmood Satti, SSP Islamabad Najeebur Rehman Bugvi, SSP Security Jameel Ahmad Hashmi and other senior police officials were also present on the occasion. “Today’s era is of technology and digitalisation and we have to acquaint ourselves with modern techniques,” he said adding that new technology was changing this world and there was need to adjust their attitude as per the development. Ahsan Iqbal said there were numerous challenges before us even after the introduction of new technology, he said adding that cybercrime was increasing and there was a strong need to aware policemen about new threats. The minister said that he had directed three years earlier, when he was the minister for Planning & Development, to establish model police stations whose pattern may be replicated in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, the delay was witnessed in this project but “I, after assuming the office of interior minister, directed for its early completion,” he maintained. “I congratulate the Islamabad police over the completion of this vision,” the minister added. The minister stressed for cooperation of community to ensure successful policing and said that leadership courses were vital for heads of all police stations. “The prime task to a policeman should be protection and assistance to the aggrieved persons including children, women, minorities and other marginalised segments of the society,” he added. He said that all were equal before law whether powerful and there should be no discrimination with anyone. Iqbal said that extremism and terrorism was also challenging for society and all of us would have to endeavour to make Pakistan as per the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam. He directed for zero tolerance against drug peddling activities including in educational institutions and directed to make the society drug-free. “This menace should be curbed and youth of the society to be guided in right direction,” he maintained. The minister directed the policemen to work along with religious scholars to promote inter-faith harmony. “Police should monitor activities in markets so that no one should dare to collect donations for illegal activities,” he said and asked to take action against those involved in hate speeches. The minister said policemen and officials performing their duties at police pickets deserved appreciation as they were the ones owing to whom citizens could breathe in peace. Earlier, the minister visited the reporting room, the modern investigation room, the IT room, community policing room and other sections of the newly established model police stations. He said that cameras should be installed in each vehicle of police. The minister said that the database of criminals and terrorists was being prepared and provinces would also be included in it. Iqbal was told that modern computerised systems had been launched to register First Information Reports and areas of police stations were being monitored through cameras. It was told that areas having no cameras were monitored through smart cars while data of criminals has been geo-tagged. He was briefed that disputes of petty nature were resolved through conciliatory committees and efforts were being made to ensure community policing. The minister announced that there would be a `best cop of the month’ on regular basis and to commendation award certificates will also be handed out. Dr Sultan Azam Temuri said a front desk has been established at every Model Police Station as a reception for citizens coming to the station for their matters. These desks are IT enabled and connected with back office functions. “The model policing is not a slogan,” he said and assured that every citizen may visit police stations to get their issues resolved without any approach or bribe. “Every citizen would be treated as VIP at these police stations,” he assured. Later, the minister distributed prizes and commendation certificates among the police employees who were declared as best performers in February. They included Inspectors Fiaz Ranjha, Anees Akbar, Sub-Inspector Tariq Saeed, Head Constables Rashid Yunus, Saeed Wali, Constables Khushi Muhammad and Tahir. Published in Daily Times, March 2nd 2018.