Islamabad, In a significant recognition of service and merit, Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar bestowed promotion ranks on 91 officers and officials of the Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) during a ceremony organized at the Central Police Office.
According to a news release by Punjab Police, the promotion event was graced by notable attendees including Additional IG PHP Rao Abdul Karim, DIG PHP Athar Waheed, other senior police officers, and the families of the officers receiving their new ranks. The ceremony was marked by IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar expressing his congratulations to the officers who earned their departmental promotions.
Under the leadership of DIG PHP Athar Waheed, the patrol police has evolved to incorporate modern policing techniques and now not only addresses crime but also focuses on road safety, traffic management, and is among the first responders on the highways. Reflecting on a recent incident at the Haroon Shaheed check post in Mianwali, IG Punjab lauded the valiant efforts of the PHP officers who confronted terrorists and successfully repelled them.
Highlighting the department’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding service, Dr. Anwar noted that in the past eight months alone, 16,000 promotions were granted based on merit and seniority. The IG further revealed plans for upcoming promotion boards for the rank of DSP to SP and mentioned that after the necessary training, numerous promotions within the constabulary ranks will take place in the coming months.
The IG also outlined future integrations, stating that personnel from the PHP and SPU will be incorporated into the proposed tourism police force. With the acquisition of licensing authority, the PHP plans to set up driving license centers and training schools throughout the province. Dr. Anwar also lauded the EPP system’s ability to apprehend culprits without conducting raids as a significant advancement in modern policing. He emphasized that the Punjab Police’s IT reforms have positioned it as a leading force in the region, which will undoubtedly enhance crime control and service delivery.
DIG PHP Athar Waheed further detailed the achievements of the PHP, citing that through challaning and smart patrolling, PHP has contributed 32 crore rupees to the national exchequer. The EPP system’s efficiency is evident as it facilitates the arrest of 800 proclaimed offenders monthly. Furthermore, the patrol police recovered over 300 stolen vehicles last month, and through the Community Police Forum, they saved 39 lives. The DIG also highlighted the PHP’s environmental efforts, where vehicles damaging highways and those emitting harmful gases were penalized, leading to a collection of Rs 10 crore in fines over two months.
Concluding the ceremony, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar commended the PHP’s overall performance, acknowledging it as one of Pakistan’s premier patrolling forces, set to reach even greater heights with the provision of advanced resources and technology.