Protecting the elite: Special Force being set up for VIP security

Elite Force to return to its counter terrorism mission.

LAHORE:

The Punjab government intends to establish a Special Protection Force (SPF) for the security of ‘very important people’ (VIP). Like the Elite Force (EF) and the Special Services Group (SSG) the SPF will be a separate unit.

The EF was established by Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif in 1997-98. Its mission was counter terrorism and high risk operations against criminals. The EF is now being used allegedly for the security of VIPs and prominent personalities in the province. The Police Department has now proposed to the government that a new force with the mandate to provide security and protection to VIPs and distinguished citizens be established.In his proposal sent to the Home Department, the Inspector General of Police has said that existing security arrangements were insufficient to meet the growing need to provide security to VIPs in the province. He said that there was an urgent need to set up the SPF.

The Police Department has proposed that the new force consist of 1,200 men. The personnel would require special training which would include physical fitness, sniper shooting, weapon handling, unarmed combat, communication and anti-sabotage drills. The government, the Police Department has proposed, should establish SPF branches in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan. The new force is proposed to have its independent transport with specific security specifications and features.

Reforms

The Department has also proposed that in the secretariat and its offices only officers over BS-16 should be allowed the use of mobile phones. It has said the buildings should be made shock proof.

Also, VIP offices and conference rooms should be bulletproof and laminated with non-shattering plastic sheets.

The Department has also proposed that CNG vehicles should not be allowed to park in the compounds and that all office buildings should have effective evacuation plans in case of any emergency.

Requesting anonymity, a senior police official said Sharif had established the EF during his first tenure to act against serious crimes and perform high-risk operations which the regular force could not carry out.

It was primarily formed as a counterterrorism unit, but over time its duties have expanded to include VIP escort.

The establishment of a new force would help the EF to focus on its original mission which would be beneficial for the public, he said.

According to the data available to The Express Tribune, there are 945 EF personnel in the city including three inspectors, 33 sub-inspectors, 20 assistant sub-inspectors, 292 head constables, 573 constables and 24 lady constables.

As many as 67 vehicles are under the use of the EF. Twenty of these vehicles are deployed with the Sharifs, eight with the prime minister’s family, five with the Chaudharis, 10 are off the road and the remaining serve the other VIPs.

There are 248 Elite personnel escorting the Sharifs, 71 escorting the family of the prime minister and 60 the family of the Chaudharis.

PULL OUT:

The Inspector General of Police has said that existing security arrangements were insufficient to meet the growing need to provide security to VIPs in the province. He said that there was an urgent need to set up the SPF.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2011.