• Says 1,139 personnel have lost their lives in line of duty
• Credits Safe City cameras, complaint systems for improved oversight
• Says Serious Crime Wing, open courts set up to tackle pending cases; rescue unit established in Ziarat Valley for tourist emergencies

QUETTA: The Inspector General of Balochistan Police has paid tribute to martyred police officers, disclosing that 1,139 personnel have lost their lives in the line of duty, hailing their sacrifices as a “guiding light” for the force as it works to maintain law and order.

IGP Muhammad Tahir said police are utilising their professional skills to protect the lives and property of citizens. “So far, around 1,139 police personnel have sacrificed their lives,” he said.

Tahir made the remarks during a briefing for a delegation of officers under training from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Quetta, who were on a study tour at the Central Police Office (CPO).

The IG detailed a recent special campaign to improve security, noting police arrested 780 proclaimed offenders, 1,466 absconders, and 1,404 other criminals last year. During the campaign, he added, 26 kidnapped people were also recovered.

“Officers of various ranges and districts who demonstrated exemplary performance are being awarded certificates of appreciation and cash prizes,” Tahir said. He stated that the criminal records of arrested suspects are being shared with other provinces.

Reforms in the department, which were underway even before the merger of the B-Area with the A-Area, have been accelerated, the IG said. This includes the establishment of a Serious Crime Wing to investigate complex and long-pending cases “to their logical conclusion”.

He said open courts are being held in ranges and districts to help restore public trust in police, and that a complaint cell has been established at the Central Police Office. Complaints are also being received through the IG Police Balochistan WhatsApp and toll-free numbers and are being addressed promptly.

Tahir said Safe City cameras are being used to monitor traffic and criminal activity with significant results. He added that former Levies personnel who have been integrated into the police force are receiving modern training and have shown improved performance.

He said a dedicated department has been established to support families of police martyrs and address their welfare needs, and that under the department’s self-accountability system, rewards are given for good performance while action is taken against poor performance.

He also said that police, in coordination with other institutions, have rescued passengers stranded during torrential rains, heavy snowfall, and floods, and have shifted them to safe locations.

Tahir said a rescue unit has also been established in Ziarat Valley, including female staff, to assist tourists in emergencies.

At the end of the briefing, commemorative shields were exchanged between Tahir and NIPA Director General Syed Ali Raza Shah.

On the occasion, Director General NIPA Syed Ali Raza Shah, Additional IG Police Operations Agha Muhammad Yousuf, Additional IG Police Admin Javed Ali Mehar, DIG Headquarters Hassan Asad Alvi, DIG Telecommunication Shad Ibn Masih, AIG Operations Naveed Alam, and other officers were also present.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026