ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said modern policing culture introduced by the National Highways and Motorway Police has been instrumental in decreasing accident rates, traffic violations and serious crimes on the highways.

Addressing the 12th annual award ceremony of National Highways and Motorway Police here, the Prime Minister said awareness among the masses regarding rules and regulations on the motorway was an important aspect of road safety.

He appreciated the launching of vigorous public awareness campaigns on road safety and traffic laws by the National Highways and Motorway Police.

“These are bearing fruit and we can see their positive effects in the form of mature and civilized behaviour on the roads,” he added.

The Prime Minister said bringing about a change in the behaviour of commuters on motorways is a major achievement of NH&MP.

Referring to the challenge of terrorism, the Prime Minister said it requires proactive approach and support from all segments of the society.

Those associated with law enforcement services have the greatest responsibility in this regard, he said.

The Prime Minister appreciated the initiatives being taken by the National Highways and Motorway Police in countering terrorism.

He said the government treated this menace as the most serious challenge, and would provide all necessary resources to better equip and modernize the National Highways and Motorway Police enabling them to confront the challenge effectively.

The Prime Minister said the government was firmly committed to the principle of merit and for providing a level playing field to everyone.

He said the delivery of services can improve only through a merit-based transparent system.

The Prime Minister appreciated the enforcement of law by NH&MP evenhanded which had earned it better acceptability and greater respect.

Gilani also announced setting up of Commission on cultural transformation of police and approved airfare for the free training courses for NH&MP officials in Germany, as demanded by Minister of State for Communications and Inspector General NH&MP.

He said he would ask the Finance Division to immediately look into disparity of salary between deputational and regular duty officials. On demand for Risk Allowance, the Prime Minister said he would refer the case to Pay and Pension Department to consider it.

Congratulating the officials who were given awards on outstanding performance, the Prime Minister said the tradition of recognizing professional excellence and sense of dedication was commendable.

He appreciated the efforts of Inspector General NH&MP and his team members who have been diligently performing their duties with a spirit to serve and achieve excellence.

Minister of State for Communications Chaudhry Imtiaz Safdar Warraich said NH&MP had brought a positive change in clearing the negative perception about police through their public-friendly attitude and commitment.

He said the force was performing duties diligently and was an example of institution with good governance.

Sharif Ahmed, Secretary Ministry of Communications said while serving with responsibility, the NH&MP had become a symbol of national solidarity.

Waseem Kauser, Inspector General NH&MP said National Highways and Motorway Police takes care of 2,600 kilometre roads and highways and also of the 95 percent of vehicular traffic.

He said certain SAARC countries including Maldives, Bangladesh and Afghanistan had requested NH&MP to train them in traffic management centre.

He said NH&MP was working on the principle of introducing a culture of soft policing.

Earlier, the Prime Minister gave away awards to the patrol officers on their outstanding performance. LINK