The establishment of a police training center in Dera Ismail Khan is a breath of fresh air, especially for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, who have borne the brunt of relentless terrorist attacks in the region. Credit where credit is due—this visionary step owes itself to the leadership of Honourable Nadeem Aslam Choudary, Chief Secretary of the province, and Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, the police chief whose steady command has guided his force through some of the toughest battles against terrorism.
Having had the privilege of working closely with the police in the past, I’ve crossed paths with some truly exceptional officers. It would be remiss not to mention Dr. Shoaib Suddle, a man who defanged terrorists in Karachi. But his legacy doesn’t stop there—he tirelessly championed police reforms that, sadly, remain stuck in bureaucratic limbo due to political interference.
No amount of training can transform a police force unless it’s given the autonomy and resources it desperately needs. It’s time to level the playing field by providing the police with the same respect, funding, and independence as the armed forces.
Let’s face it: underpaid and overworked officers are a recipe for disaster. Take the motorway police as an example. Their better pay not only motivates them to perform with integrity but also earns them the public’s trust for their honesty and efficiency. This isn’t rocket science—it’s a straightforward equation: invest in your police force, and they’ll rise to the occasion.
Unfortunately, for much of the police, the opposite has been true. With insufficient resources, many officers are forced to “make do” through dubious means, tarnishing their credibility. Add politically driven transfers and postings into the mix, and you’ve got a force struggling to maintain its professional standards. It’s like hammering the final nail into their coffin.
I have high hopes for the cadets trained at this new center. With the right guidance, they can become a force to be reckoned with—quick on their feet and sharper than the terrorists they face. Ideally, they’ll learn to act decisively, taking down threats before the enemy even has a chance to pull the trigger.
Nothing would bring peace faster than meeting terrorists head-on in the field and dismantling their hideouts. Imagine a time when no terrorist would dare target our brave officers, knowing full well they’ll be outgunned and outmatched. That’s the dream—a day when the casualty count favors the forces of law and order, not those who sow chaos.
This training center is a step in the right direction, but it’s only the beginning. True reform requires giving the police the tools, trust, and autonomy they need to thrive. Our brave boys from police as the front line force deserve nothing less than to be treated as the backbone of our nation’s security, because when they succeed, the whole country breathes a little easier.
Let’s hope the winds of change continue to blow, bringing strength and honour back to our police force.Long Live Pakistan.
