Lahore: The Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) has initiated a substantial departmental promotion process, advancing 18 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) to the rank of Sub-Inspector as part of a broader strategy to enhance the force’s capabilities and morale. This move is the first phase of a planned 1,000 personnel promotions, as directed by Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar.

According to Punjab Police, the rank pinning ceremony took place at the Central Police Office, where IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, accompanied by senior officers, formally recognized the newly promoted Sub-Inspectors. The event was notable not only for the promotions but also for the attendance of the families of the officers, celebrating their professional advancement.

Dr. Anwar detailed the comprehensive promotion strategy, which includes promoting 250 ASIs and 500 Head Constables, along with another 250 personnel through the P-Cadet system. He emphasized that these promotions are part of an effort to address personnel shortages and boost the operational efficiency of PHP. The force is also seeing significant enhancements in resources, including new recruitments, the introduction of modern technology, and the provision of advanced protective gear such as bulletproof jackets and thermal imaging quadcopters.

The IG highlighted PHP’s recent achievements under these new initiatives, including the arrest of 40,000 proclaimed offenders, the recovery of 7,000 stolen vehicles, the issuance of 143,000 driving licenses, and the provision of driving training to 7,000 citizens. Dr. Anwar also noted the PHP’s axle load management system, which has set a standard that other provincial police forces are now following.

Over the past 1.5 years, more than 3,400 promotions have been made on merit within PHP, and a new service and promotion structure has been implemented that benefits 50% of the force. Additionally, PHP has expanded its community services, providing support to over 50,000 citizens through Police Khidmat Centers located at 360 checkpoints across the province.

IG Punjab Dr. Anwar urged the newly promoted officers and the rest of PHP to maintain high standards of duty and motivation, ensuring the continuation of PHP’s positive trajectory in law enforcement and community service.