Engineers’ security: Foreign visitors urged to appoint focal persons

DPO says NHA, Chinese agencies not cooperating.

BAHAWALPUR: DCO Muhammad Zafar Iqbal on Friday urged Chinese engineers and other foreign visitors to share their travel plans with the authorities in a timely manner to ensure effective security.

Addressing a meeting via video link with Commissioner Saqib Zafar and Regional Police Officer Ehsan Sadiq, the DCO said the Chinese visitors should nominate a focal person to coordinate with security departments about their movement.

DPO Zeeshan Asghar told the meeting that a security plan had been provided by the Home Department for security of the Chinese engineers.

“We are facing difficulties enforcing it due lack of cooperation by the National Highway Authority and Chinese security agencies,” he said.

Commissioner Saqib Zafar said the plan provided by the Home Department offered comprehensive security for Chinese visitors.

“Their residences will be secured through installation of security equipment. Police teams will also be deputed to patrol their neighbourhoods,” he said.

The DCO was also informed about steps taken by the district administration in preparation for monsoon rains and possible floods.

The meeting also reviewed computerisation of land records, prices at Ramazan Bazaars and status of dangerous buildings in the district.

‘Crime has declined’

Regional Police Officer Ehsan Sadiq said efforts of victim response officers had greatly contributed to the decline of crime in the district.

He made these remarks while giving away certificates and cash awards to a group of victim response officers in a ceremony at his office.

“Seventy two victim response officers resolved more than 26,000 cases of minor crimes through arbitration by local community leaders,” the RPO said.

“If these cases had not been resolved, a cycle of endless litigation would have ensued. These disputes would have divided communities for years,” he said.

He urged victim response officers to perform their duties diligently to earn respect for the Police Department.

Later, he gave away certificates to victim response officers of three districts. These included Hamatta Ram, Ghulam Ghaus, Muhammad Makki, Muhammad Anwer and Muhammad Arif from Rahim Yar Khan; Toseeq Ahmad; Muhammad Arshad, Ahsan Zia, Matloob Ahmad and Muhammd Afzal from Bahawalnagar and Muhammad Qasim and Mushtaq Ahmad from Bahawalpur.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.