Special cell to ensure safety of foreigners: Mirza

KARACHI: Sindh Home and Forest Minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza said that necessary steps were being taken to ensure foolproof security of all foreign consulates and foreigners in Sindh for which a foreign security cell (FSC) has been conceptualised.

During a meeting with the Consul General of Saudi Arabia, Faleh Muhammad Al-Ruhaily at his office on Wednesday, the minister briefed the consul general about the measures being taken by the Sindh government for maintaining law and order in the city and the performance of the police.

The prime responsibility of the FSC is to provide security to foreign consulates, their staff and foreigners working on government or private projects, Mirza explained. He said many police officials have been posted in the FSC.

He further said that to cope with the anticipated incidents of terrorism, a Special Protection Group (SPG) comprising 1,000 commandos has also been set up which is working under a DIG-rank police officer. The commandos are being given 60 per cent extra in their salaries as risk allowance, he said. Work on a modern surveillance camera system project is underway and would start functioning soon, he assured the Saudi consul general.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2010.