A surprise trip: IGP visits sensitive check posts in Kurram, NWA

Durrani highlights importance of Public Liaison Councils, Dispute Resolution Councils

PESHAWAR: IGP Nasir Khan Durrani paid a surprise visit to sensitive police check posts in Kurram and North Waziristan agencies. This was stated in a press release issued on Tuesday.

During the visit, he distributed Eid gifts and cash awards to police personnel for their commitment and dedication to their services.

While speaking to the police officials, the IGP said the presence of officials was tantamount to maintaining peace and order in some of the most sensitive areas of K-P and Fata.

“Efforts and sacrifices made by police officials have played a pivotal role in the war against militancy,” the statement quoted Durrani as saying. “This has also prevented the infiltration of militants into vulnerable routes.” He added a large number of officials also sacrificed their lives  at these check posts while serving the country.

Dealing with the public

The IGP advised police officials to improve their strategy of dealing with the public. He also reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

During the visit, he also met several traders in Hangu and advised the Kohat RPO and Hangu DPO to provide complete support to the public and resolve their grievances.

While talking to the locals, Durrani said community participation is a significant part of modern-day policing and that police performance should be gauged from public perception of police. He said public trust for police is “an objective measure of the integrity and commitment of police officials”. He vowed to bridge the gap between the public and the police.

Durrani also reiterated the necessity of Public Liaison Councils (PLC) and Dispute Resolution Councils (DRC) as tools to enhance public service delivery through community engagement. He asked the community members to utilise the services of PLCs to eliminate and monitor new tenants.

According to the IGP, DRCs have been a great success in resolving petty disputes through community representatives and the police.

Monitoring function

The IGP also paid a surprise visit to Hangu along with Kohat RPO DIG Akhtar Hayat Gandapur and Kohat DPO. He first visited the Torghar Police Post which connects Parachinar with Hangu district.

The IGP checked the IT gadgets provided to the police personnel deployed at various check posts to ensure effective surveillance of vehicles.

As part of his visit, he also inaugurated a checkpost in Kurram Agency. The check post will be located at the border of Kurram Agency and Hangu.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2016.