Quetta: The passing out parade of the 19th Basic Course batch of the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) was held at the ATF Training School in Quetta. A total of 124 personnel from the Basic Course and 118 personnel from the Refresher Course successfully completed their training.
Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir attended the ceremony as the chief guest and addressed the passing out parade. He congratulated the newly trained personnel and expressed confidence that they would perform their duties with professionalism, courage, and dedication.
Addressing the ceremony, IG Police Muhammad Tahir said that terrorism has caused severe damage to Pakistan, adding that certain self-serving elements, acting on foreign agendas, are attempting to destabilize the country and Balochistan. He stated that terrorism and organized crime remain among the major challenges faced by the police force, and confirmed that external involvement in terrorism cannot be ruled out.
The IG Police emphasized the need to modernize the police force through advanced technology, professional training, and modern weaponry. He stated that out of more than 40,000 police personnel in Balochistan, over 1,000 have embraced martyrdom, calling the loss a major national sacrifice.
Muhammad Tahir urged police personnel not to fall prey to propaganda or misguidance and to continue serving the country with loyalty. He said the police response toward criminals would remain strict and uncompromising, while stressing that discipline and teamwork within the force must be ensured.
He highlighted that more than 4,000 personnel have completed training at the ATF Training School, with 18 basic courses completed so far, and that trained personnel are actively serving in various districts of the province. He added that the 19th Basic Course trainees successfully completed rigorous and demanding training.
The IG Police stated that the police are playing a key role in protecting the lives, property, and dignity of citizens, and that their efforts have increased four to five times compared to last year. He also announced that improvements have been made in ATF allowances, with further increases planned.
Concluding his address, IG Police Muhammad Tahir said that the core objective of ATF training is effective action against terrorists, and expressed confidence that the newly passed-out personnel would not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for the protection of the nation.
