Reconciliation committees: Traders to have a say in security arrangements

IGP Islamabad agrees to chamber of commerce demand

ISLAMABAD: The business community would be given representation in Police reconciliation committees an would work with the force to improve the law and order situation in the federal capital.

This was said on Friday by Inspector-General of the Islamabad Police Muhammad Khalid Khattak while addressing a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

For the past several years, the ICCI had been demanding the reshuffling of the committees to include the business community, but the demand was not met. Now, Khattak has scheduled to meet with the ICCI in early March to hold consultations on security arrangements.

Khattak acknowledged the business community’s contribution in the development of the country’s economy and pledged to improve the security arrangements in markets, commercial centres and industrial areas. He also directed the Saddar senior superintendent of police (SSP) to coordinate closely with the business community for improved security.

ICCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, while appreciating the efforts of the police, said that a safe and secure environment was crucial to growth of business and investment activities.

He said that increased police presence would allow entrepreneurs to run their businesses confidently. He said that inclusion of the business community in police reconciliation committees would contribute positively towards curbing crimes and improving security.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2016.