LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 13th May, 2026) Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Wednesday conferred the Sitara-i-Imtiaz upon SSP Akhtar Farooq in recognition of his outstanding services in the field of public service and counter-terrorism.
The national civil award was conferred on behalf of the President of Pakistan during a special ceremony held at Governor House Lahore.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, SSP Akhtar Farooq, who is currently serving as District Police Officer (DPO) Gujrat, rendered remarkable services in the war against terrorism, intelligence-based operations and police reforms throughout his professional career.
The spokesperson said SSP Akhtar played a key role in transforming the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) into a more proactive and effective institution by integrating the operations, intelligence and investigation wings into a coordinated system.
Under his leadership, an extensive eight-month intelligence operation in Peshawar led to the exposure and dismantling of a major network of a proscribed organisation.
Similarly, during continuous intelligence-based operations, a suicide bomber and his facilitator were arrested, while several terrorist plots in Lahore were foiled in time.
Punjab Police termed the conferment of Sitara-i-Imtiaz upon SSP Akhtar Farooq a matter of pride and honour for the force.
The spokesperson said his distinguished services would continue to serve as a guiding example for police officers and personnel across the department.
