DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday said the consistent and impartial application of the law, effective access to justice and the supremacy of the Constitution were essential for durable peace, democratic stability and public confidence in state institutions, as he distributed appointment letters to 4,306 newly recruited police constables.
Addressing a ceremony in Peshawar, the chief minister congratulated the newly recruited constables from all eight divisions of the province and urged them to uphold the principles of merit, transparency, integrity and dedication throughout their careers.
He said the provincial government had institutionalised merit and transparency in line with the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan, ensuring that appointments in the public sector were made on the basis of competence rather than political influence or nepotism.
Mr Afridi said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Special Branch had earned nationwide recognition for their professionalism and operational effectiveness owing to merit-based institutional reforms.
He reminded the recruits that they were joining a force with a proud history of sacrifice and public service and urged them to safeguard its discipline, traditions and reputation.
Paying tribute to police personnel who had laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism over the past two decades, the chief minister said the force had played a vital role in protecting the lives and property of citizens. He asked the new constables to discharge their duties with honesty, resist unlawful pressure and remain committed to combating crime and terrorism.
Referring to the prevailing security situation, Mr Afridi said terrorism had been imposed on the province and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring sustainable peace.
He said the hallmark of a professional police officer was respectful and impartial treatment of citizens, coupled with an unwavering commitment to justice, and assured the force of the government’s continued support for its institutional capacity, welfare and professional development.
Highlighting the induction of women constables, the chief minister welcomed the growing participation of women in the police force and said women’s empowerment remained one of the provincial government’s priorities. He added that women would continue to benefit from internship programmes, interest-free loan schemes and other initiatives aimed at enhancing their socio-economic participation.
Commenting on the country’s political environment, Mr Afridi said the Constitution guaranteed every citizen the right to peaceful assembly and protest. He alleged that democratic processes had repeatedly been undermined and claimed that despite pursuing legal avenues since assuming office, he had yet to receive judicial relief.
Referring to the incidents of May 9 and Nov 26, he alleged that unarmed political workers had been subjected to the use of force and expressed concern that the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments had affected the independence of the judiciary.
The chief minister reiterated that the rule of law, equal access to justice and constitutional supremacy were indispensable for ensuring lasting peace, democratic stability and strengthening public trust in state institutions.
