Special Protection Unit: Regional police officers discuss procurement

114 single- cabin vehicles, 28 motorcycles, 420 bullet-proof jackets have been produced

LAHORE: Procurement of vehicles, weapons and other equipment for officials of Special Protection Unit was discussed at a regional police officers’ conference on Thursday. The unit has been set up to provide security to foreigners working on development projects across the province.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Mushtaq Sukhera chaired the meeting at the Central Police Office. The meeting discussed Citizens-Police Liaison Committee rules and upgrade of Police Museum.

Special Police Unit Deputy Inspector General Agha Yousaf said that 114 single- cabin vehicles, 28 motorcycles, 420 bullet-proof jackets, 420 helmets, 60 watch towers, 26 pickups, 126 walkie talkies, 345 steel bunkers and 400 steel panels had been procured. The DIG expressed reservations about non-payment of salaries to SPU officials due to queries put forth by the Accountant General’s Office. The IGP assured the DIG that he would make sure that the issue was resolved early.

Participants of the meeting agreed to use mounted police for patrolling. Finance Additional IGP Sohail Khan said that barracks had been constructed in Faisalabad and Rawalpindi for the force. He said funds had been provided for welfare of the horses, including provision of fodder. The IGP directed him to induct trained staff for looking after the horses. The meeting also discussed upgrade of the Police Museum.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2016.