Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday inaugurated Sharea Faisal Model Police station and said that investment in police modernisation comes with expectations; it is not free lunch.
He was accompanied by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, SSP Dr Farrukh Raza of District East and other officers.
CM Shah has declared police modernisation a top priority, pledging substantial funding for infrastructure, equipment, and technology; however, he made it clear that this investment comes with expectations, “This is not a free lunch,” he stated, emphasising the need for improved police performance and accountability.
“I envision police stations as safe spaces where citizens feel heard, secure, and confident that justice will be served,” he explained. He acknowledged the hesitancy some people feel about visiting police stations, citing the example of accident victims who are reluctant to seek help.
“This perception must change,” he insisted, underscoring the police’s fundamental duty to serve the public. Recognizing the crucial role of public feedback in enhancing law enforcement, CM Shah encouraged citizens to actively demand better facilities and services at their local police stations. “We have already upgraded some police stations, but I want the public to push for improvements at others,” he said, believing that such demands will drive further progress and development within the police force.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the establishment of the Sharea Faisal Model Police Station. The Sindh government is committed to providing security and essential facilities to the people of the province,” the CM said.
He mentioned the modernisation of police stations, reporting that a total of 33 police stations across Sindh are being upgraded, including eight in Karachi. He noted that his government recognises the necessity for model police stations in every district and has allocated Rs288.41 million for the renovation of 31 police stations throughout the province.
Discussing the new facilities, Shah indicated that the newly established police stations will include modern amenities, computerised systems, and dedicated public grievance cells. To enhance investigative capabilities, the budget for the ‘Cost of Investigation’ has been increased by 40 per cent to improve police inquiry mechanisms. Investigative officers will also receive an additional basic salary each month.
Moreover, he announced that police stations have been granted financial autonomy to improve their efficiency in serving the public. A “Health Insurance Policy” has been introduced, providing annual medical coverage of up to Rs1 million for police personnel and their families. He stressed that these model police stations are not only about renovating buildings but also about strengthening the trust between the police and the public. “We want people to view the police in a positive light, not with negativity,” he remarked.
Murad acknowledged the sacrifices made by police officers, stating, “Our police personnel risk their lives while performing their duties. We have announced special packages for the families of martyred officers.”
Talking to the media, CM Shah recalled that before 2008, people had to travel in convoys due to security threats, particularly in northern districts. “While challenges remain, the situation has significantly improved, especially in recent months,” he stated. He added that law enforcement agencies, including the police and Rangers, are actively working to eliminate criminal gangs in the kutcha areas bordering three provinces.
“We provided incentives to law enforcement, and today, the situation has improved significantly in Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Ghotki, which share borders with Punjab and Balochistan. We have worked closely with the Army and Rangers and acquired advanced weaponry that was previously unavailable to us,” he revealed.
Regarding public demonstrations, the CM stated that while protesting is a democratic right, it should not inconvenience the public. Important roads cannot be blocked under any circumstances. “The traffic jams cause serious problems to the public. Therefore, media should not glorify such protests, which create issues for the public,” he urged.
To another question, Shah cautioned against inciting violence, indicating that strict action would be taken against those who spread unrest. “I trust the other individuals inciting violence would be arrested as Afaq has been taken into custody,” he said.
“The government is responsible for ensuring the security of every citizen. Our police officers put their lives on the line to protect the people,” he added. Regarding the Larkana incident in which six policemen sustained injuries when their mobile van overturned after criminals, fleeing in a car, fired at the vehicle’s tires on the Ratodero-Shahdadkot road, he said: “The home minister is personally overseeing efforts to airlift personnel to Karachi for treatment.”
Regarding the removal of the SSP Korangi, he clarified, “The SSP was removed because he admitted to facilitating land grabbing, not because of complaints from traders.”
CM Shah reaffirmed his commitment to law and order, stating, “Our goal is to build a safe, just, and accountable police system where every citizen can seek justice without fear. Police stations should serve the people, and we will ensure that law enforcement upholds the highest standards of integrity.”
He also announced that police personnel engaged in operations in riverine (katcha) areas will receive special allowances. SSP Dr Farrukh Raza said that we are proud to showcase the newly renovated Sharea Faisal Police Station, inaugurated by the CM and the home minister. This state-of-the-art facility sets a new benchmark in public service with, digital queue and token system for seamless processing, cuffs and coffee – a welcoming café within the station, free WiFi for visitors, fully air-conditioned premises for comfort, dedicated sections for women and child protection, conflict resolution, and a separate reception and reporting desk.
He added that other facilities include round-the-clock janitorial staff ensuring clean restrooms and hygienic conditions and three-shift system for efficient policing. This is the first of its kind, with plans to establish similar facilities in every district of Sindh as a pilot initiative.