Combating terrorism: SPU formed to protect VIPs

PESHAWAR:

In a bid to provide security to government functionaries, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police has established a special protection unit (SPU). A police official told The Express Tribune on Monday the unit was raised keeping in view the deteriorating law and order in the province.

The main objective of the SPU will be to protect visiting delegations, including government functionaries. He added these police personnel will not perform duty in police uniforms. Photographs of the SPU show men sharply dressed in suits. The police official said, “These men would be deployed in addition to police commandos.” He stated, “These policemen will be armed with modern weapons; it is a multi-task highly trained and professional force.”

A few days ago, an SSG-type Al-Zarrar Force was also raised in the province to combat terrorism and provide security to educational institutions.  The force comprises 90 commandos and was trained by the Pakistan Army. It carried out mock exercises in schools across the city as part of security measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2016.