ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said the role of Frontier Constabulary (FC) was of utmost importance in ensuring peace and security.

He said this during his meeting with police officers from the 49th Common who had recently been posted in Frontier Constabulary. He expressed his good wishes to the officers on their appointment in the Frontier Constabulary.

Addressing the officers, Mr Naqvi said the Frontier Constabulary was also fighting alongside other law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism.

Mr Naqvi said the 10 brave sons of FC recently sacrificed their precious lives in Dera Ismail Khan, setting the highest example in the line of duty. He emphasised that the sacrifices of FC personnel have further strengthened their resolve against terrorism and the nation greatly valued their sacrifices.

The interior minister said the Frontier Constabulary was being equipped with modern technology and equipment.

He said young officers could bring new life to any institution and stressed that they should perform their duties accordingto the highest standards of honesty, discipline and moral conduct.

`You have to improve the overall reputation of law enforcement agencies in the eyes of people with your dedication and hard work,` he said, adding that good behaviour with people is the trait of a good officer.

Mr Naqvi stressed the need for establishing strong relationships with people instead of traditional relationships. He said make a name for yourself in good deeds which would become your identity and go out of the way to help and serve people.

He further said officers who served people and lived in their hearts did not need any recommendations.

Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha and Commandant Frontier Constabulary Riaz Nazir Gara were also present on the occasion.

Journalists` protection top priority In a special message on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists being observed on Nov 2 (today), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the government would take all steps to protect journalists.

The federal minister said that a favourable and secure envi-ronment is crucial for journalists to perform their duties. He said journalists had a heavy responsibility to inform the public the authentic information.

Mohsin Naqvi emphasised that journalists should clearly distinguish between truth and falsehood andfocus on responsible journalism, advancing Pakistan`s agenda rather than anyone else`s.

He lamented that journalismhas become entangled in a whirlpool where the distinction between truth and falsehood has almost disappeared. He highlighted that a mafia, both inside and outside the field, is actively perpetrating crimes against the journalistic community, exerting influence.

Mr Naqvi said that there is a long list of crimes against journalists, and it is essential for all segments of society, along withgovernments, to play their part in preventing these crimes. He expressed solidarity with journalists who had become victims of crimes, reiterating the commitment to take all necessary measures to prevent crimes against journalists.

The federal minister reaffirmed the commitment to taking all necessary measures to prevent crimes against journalists.