Security first: Working group on law and order holds first meeting

CM Khattak promises police chief of no interference .

The first meeting of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) working group on law and order, headed by the chief minister, revolved around the implementation of a sustainable apparatus that would ensure peace for economic development, an official dispatch stated on Monday.      

The working group on law and order met at the Chief Minister (CM) Secretariat and presented its recommendations for a short and long-term security plan with the special branch and intelligence reinforcement.

Khattak agreed with the view of the members that corruption and incapability of officials in government departments, especially in police, special branch and intelligence agencies, besides causing other evils also opened doors for infiltration of terrorists and criminals, read the statement.

While also ensuring that deadlines be given for the implementation of ‘solid recommendations,’ Khattak assured the Counter Terrorism Department would soon be functional. He added the Safe City Peshawar project, installation of CCTV cameras with a central command mechanism, forensic science laboratories, police FM radio named Pasban, cyber crimes section, computerisation of the entire home and police department, ban on unauthorised use of loud speakers through Auqaf department and medical tourism facility for Afghan patients should be part of the report of the working group.

The CM said the government has guaranteed the police chief that they would not interfere in their affairs.  A statement later issued from the office of K-P Inspector General of Police (IGP) stated technical and purchase committees will look over any procurement of equipment for the police department that exceeds Rs5 million.

The committees are to ensure accountability, which would not only include defence experts and police officers but also members of the National Accountability Bureau, Treasury and Accounts departments as well as officials from the Home and Tribal Affairs department.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2013.