WAZIRABAD - The Punjab inspector general of police on Thursday pledged to ensure peace across the province, saying that there was no room for criminals.
Haji Habibur Rehman was addressing a meeting chaired by Syed Safi Azam and hosted by Muslim Hands International in the IGP's honour at the School of Excellence in Sohdra near here. He claimed that crime rate in Punjab was coming down.
He stated that earlier, the Punjab police were demoralised but now recovering and had high morale which would force the outlaws to go underground or they would be no more.
"Those take bold decision to curb crime are always criticised but the dummy officers are always supported by criminally minded persons," he said. "Innocent persons should not be implicated in fake cases, saying that every shootout with criminals cannot be said a fake one as it always take place when criminals challenge the law enforcers. This is the right time to end crime."
He further said that the police with high morale would certainly break the criminals' networks and dens.  "I want the Punjab free of rascality. Police are in war with anti-social elements. Courageous and experienced commander always wins the combat," he said.
He added the protection of life, honour  and property of the citizens is a top priority of the police because this is not only a duty but also a kind of worship.
"The Punjab chief minister Punjab is also very keen to establish a society where justice may prevail. The police are working on the same lines. My post is an opportunity for me to expiate my sins and I will try my best to avail this chance to make the society free of crime.
The people who respect and obey their parents always succeed in life and achieve their targets easily," he advised.
On the occasion, the IGP also announced an award of Rs100,000 for ASP Fazl-e-Hamid in recognition of his honesty and loyalty to his duty and Rs25,000 award for the SHO Sohdra. He inaugurated the new building of Police Station Sohdra and witnessed the facilities provided in the building for cops and complainants.
Earlier, MHI Country Manager Syed Ziaul Noor presented the welcome address and highlighted the projects being run by the MHI in Pakistan and abroad where thousands of deserving children were provided with educated to make their future safe.
Gujranwala RPO Chaudhry Ameen, CPO Abdul Razzaq Cheema, SP City Haroon, SP Sadar Junaid Arshad, SP Operation Kamran Yousuf were also present.
Control room for Muharram: DCO Khalid Saleem said that a control room has been established at his office for Muharram while DOC Kashif Muhammad Ali has been appointed a focal person to ensure effective monitoring.
According to the notification, the control room will work around the clock from 1st Muharam to 12th and its telephone number 0453-9200082 and fax number 0453-9200161. He said that the staff will work in three shifts on daily basis.