K-P FC seeks modern weapons

Commandant Ansari says K-P government not paying FC troops allowance for past many years

PESHAWAR: The Frontier Constabulary has asked the federal government to equip the force with latest weapons.

“FC lacks modern weapons for which we are in talks with the federal government,” said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Frontier Constabulary Commandant Moazzam Jah Ansari.

He said that FC, as guardian of the frontier regions and tribal areas, rendered matchless sacrifices during the war on terror in the country.

Commandant Ansari said that the force has provided some 61 platoons to maintain law and order and perform security duties in various areas of the country.

“We have some 26,000 troops at this time while 45 platoons are stationed in Sindh, 16 in Islamabad and 450 special commandos are stationed in various sensitive areas across the country,” he said.

The commandant said that troops get Rs9,000 allowance for deployment for civil government in Sindh but the K-P government has not been paying the allowance to FC personnel at its disposal for the past many years.

While interacting with Daily Express, Commandant Moazzam Jah Ansari said that provincial governments pay FC platoons from their own exchequer.

FC jawans were stationed at 17 districts around the country. Besides 450 jawans of FC Quick Response Force were stationed at diplomatic missions for security duties.

Commandant Ansari said that FC personnel go through a grueling training besides daily drill and exercise keep them fit to meet any untoward situation.

“In case of any emergency the response time of FC is three to five minutes,” he said.

Regarding the current tense regional situation, FC troops have been deployed on border, whereas they were ready to face any challenge in K-P.

In addition to being a formidable fighting fore, FC was also full of sporting talent. “We have best sportsmen in the forces and FC will arrange a Sports Gala in Shabqadar from February 26, where minister for interior would be the chief guest of the event,” Ansari said.

In his message the commandant has said Frontier Constabulary is a distinct force comprising tribesmen recognised for their intrepidity in the pages of the world history. Their loyalty to the country and commitment to duty is incontrovertible. Being born in rugged mountainous terrains, the FC personnel are inherently blessed with the distinctive qualities of warriors which are further refined through imparting proper training and discipline.

In its 100-year journey, this gallant and enterprising force has successfully accomplished numerous herculean tasks to protect and preserve the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. With the advent of "War on Terror" a major shift occurred in the role of Frontier Constabulary. A force initially entrusted with the pivotal function of policing the border between settled areas and tribal belt was engaged in routing the menace of terrorism, militancy and belligerency that rocked the very fabric of our society. Frontier Constabulary has taken up this task with unprecedented spirit and courage. In the ground-breaking efforts and endeavours to restore the writ of the government in restive areas, its rank and file have rendered remarkable sacrifices.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2019.