By Brig Syed Karrar Hussain Shah (Retd.)
A dignified retirement ceremony was held at the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East, Karachi, on October 9, 2026, to honour the dedicated and distinguished services of Syed Sabir Ali Shah, Senior Assistant, Legal Branch. The ceremony was jointly organised by the Legal Branch of DIG East Office and the International Police Association (IPA), Pakistan Section, Sindh Region-5. It brought together senior police officers, representatives of the IPA and members of civil society to recognise a career devoted to public service.
The event was not merely a farewell to a retiring official; it was also a celebration of professionalism, institutional loyalty, friendship and the human values that sustain public service.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Salar Jadoon. Among the distinguished participants were DIG East Dr Farrukh Ali, Brigadier Syed Karrar Hussain Retired SSP Tahir Khan, SSP Anam Tajammul, DSP Admin, Additional IG KPO Nisar Jadoon, DSP Amin Ahmed, IPA Sindh Region-5 Secretary Tariq Jadoon, Inspector Akmal Niaz Rai, Inspector Legal Shafqat Mangi, Lady Inspector Fauzia and Hussein Roomvi of the Al-Ghausia Welfare Foundation.
The speakers and participants paid tribute to Syed Sabir Ali Shah for his professional competence, dedication and longstanding commitment to the department. His service in the Legal Branch represented the often-unseen but indispensable administrative and legal work that helps a large public institution function effectively.
In recognition of his valuable contributions, DIG East Dr Farrukh Ali and IPA Sindh Region-5 Secretary Tariq Jadoon jointly presented a commemorative shield to the retiring official. In another gesture of appreciation, DIG East presented an honorary shield to Brigadier Karrar Hussain Retired on behalf of East Zone Police and the IPA.
Renowned Pakistani artist, comedian and singer Saleem Afridi hosted the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, adding warmth and a congenial atmosphere to the occasion. Colleagues and administrative staff presented Syed Sabir Ali Shah with traditional honours, farewell gifts and specially prepared memorabilia. The programme concluded with a reception and dinner attended by the guests and colleagues.
International Police Association:
A Global Family of Police Professionals
The occasion also provided an opportunity to highlight the wider mission of the International Police Association, an organisation that has established a distinctive identity through friendship, professional cooperation and international understanding.
Founded on January 1, 1950, by British police sergeant Arthur Troop, the IPA was established to build bridges between serving and retired police personnel across national boundaries. Its guiding motto, “Servo per Amikeco,” means *“Service Through Friendship.”* Today, the association has a presence across six continents and brings together hundreds of thousands of members in countries around the world.
The IPA’s international administrative centre is located at Arthur Troop House, West Bridgford, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Its international statutes also identify Geneva, Switzerland.
The assoiation is a non-governmental, independent and politically neutral organisation. Its principal objectives include strengthening friendship among police personnel, promoting international cooperation in social, cultural and professional fields, facilitating the exchange of experience and knowledge, improving public understanding of police work, and encouraging peaceful coexistence among people.
The IPA also promotes professional development through educational opportunities, seminars, international visits and cultural activities. Its commitment to human rights, mutual respect and cooperation reflects the belief that policing is not simply a profession but a public responsibility requiring integrity, understanding and compassion.
It is important to understand that the IPA is a friendship and professional association, not an operational police agency. Its contribution lies in bringing people together, promoting good practices and strengthening relationships between police personnel and communities.
Brigadier Syed Karrar Hussain’s Perspective: Supporting the Police Is a Collective Responsibility
Brigadier Karrar Hussain who has served in the Pakistan Army and Sindh Rangers, has had opportunities to work alongside police personnel during security operations. These professional experiences have given him an appreciation of the demanding nature of police service and the challenges faced by officers and personnel working on the front lines of law enforcement.
During his professional career, he participated in joint efforts and operations involving security personnel and police colleagues. Such cooperation reinforced his belief that public safety depends on coordination, mutual trust and respect among institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.
In his view, police service is among the most demanding forms of public service. Police officers must frequently deal with criminal activity, public disorder, emergencies, investigations and difficult situations involving citizens from every section of society. They are expected to act decisively while remaining fair, disciplined and accountable.
Their responsibilities do not end when ordinary working hours are over. Crime can occur at any time, and police personnel may have to respond at considerable personal risk. Their families also share the uncertainty and sacrifices associated with this demanding profession.
Brigadier Karrar Hussain believes that the sacrifices and professional contributions of the police deserve greater recognition. He emphasises that cooperation with the police should not be limited to government departments or security institutions. Responsible citizens, community organisations, businesses and civil society groups all have a role to play.
One practical way of helping the police is to share credible and lawfully obtained information about suspected criminal activity, including the movements of armed robbers, dacoits, thieves and other individuals involved in crime. Timely information can assist the police in preventing offences, protecting potential victims and responding more effectively to emerging threats.
However, such information must be communicated through appropriate police channels. Citizens should never put themselves at risk by confronting suspected criminals, conducting private investigations or circulating unverified allegations on social media. Information should be shared responsibly, with respect for privacy, due process and the rule of law.
Brigadier Karrar Hussain also stresses the importance of morale. A sincere word of appreciation, public acknowledgement of an honest officer’s efforts, or recognition of a team that has performed its duties courageously can have a meaningful impact.
Police personnel who perform their duties with integrity should receive encouragement and institutional support. At the same time, professionalism requires accountability, transparency and equal treatment under the law. Respect for the police and public accountability are complementary principles, not opposing ideas.
A community that cooperates with the police helps create an environment in which criminals find fewer opportunities to operate. Public trust, reliable information and professional policing together form a stronger foundation for security.
Brig Syed Karrar also appreciated the excellent work by Mr Tariq Jadoon for the cause and goles set by IPA.
Community Welfare:
Health Awareness and Environmental Responsibility
The ceremony also highlighted the community welfare initiatives undertaken by the IPA Pakistan Section, Sindh Region-5.
The organisers drew attention to the recent joint Blue Walk and Pink Cause campaigns, which seek to raise public awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and timely medical consultation. Such initiatives demonstrate how professional associations can extend their contribution beyond their immediate membership and support broader public welfare.
Environmental protection was another important theme. Through its IPA Green initiative, the association promoted tree plantation as a practical contribution towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Karachi.
Saplings were planted by Rahmat Khan Jadoon, Abdul Khaliq Ansari, Safeer Jatoi, Syed Sabir Ali Shah and Lady Inspector Fauzia. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
Tree plantation, public health awareness and community engagement may appear different from conventional police duties, but they serve a common purpose: improving the quality of life and strengthening the relationship between public institutions and society.
These initiatives also demonstrate that service to humanity can take many forms, from maintaining law and order to protecting health and preserving the environment.
Retirement: The Beginning of a New Chapter
The retirement of Syed Sabir Ali Shah marked the conclusion of an important professional chapter. Yet retirement does not diminish the value of a lifetime spent serving an institution and the public. The experience, discipline and wisdom accumulated over the years remain valuable assets for families, communities and future generations.
The farewell ceremony concluded in a cordial and respectful atmosphere, with collective prayers and heartfelt wishes for his good health, happiness, longevity and success in his post-retirement life.
The event conveyed a message extending far beyond the retirement of one official. Institutions become stronger when they recognise their people, communities become safer when citizens cooperate with law enforcement, and society becomes more compassionate when professional service is acknowledged with dignity.
The International Police Association’s motto, “Service Through Friendship,” captures this spirit. Friendship creates trust, trust encourages cooperation, and cooperation makes collective service more effective.
As Brigadier Karrar Hussain’s perspective reminds us, supporting the police is not simply an expression of gratitude; it is an investment in public safety. By sharing credible information responsibly, appreciating honest service and strengthening cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies, every individual can contribute to a safer Pakistan.
*A strong police force needs professional training, effective resources and institutional support. It also needs the confidence, cooperation and goodwill of the people it serves.*
The ceremony honouring Syed Sabir Ali Shah was therefore not only a tribute to a dedicated public servant but also a reaffirmation of the enduring values of duty, friendship, humanity and service to society.
