Anti-Riot Force to be expanded
Lahore Police has decided to expand the functions and organogram of the Anti-Riot Force (ARF) at the police station level. Currently, the whole squad is placed at Qila Gujjar Singh Police lines.
It is summoned from there to respond to any law and order situation throughout the city. The authorities have also started efforts for the approval of a special allowance for the ARF like that for the Dolphin Squad.
This was disclosed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations Wing) Lahore Ashfaq Khan during a meeting with squad officials at Qila Gujjar Singh police lines. SSP Operations Faisal Shehzad, SP Headquarters ARF Malik Jamil Zafar along with other officers were also present on the occasion.
He said that action would be taken against bribery and all postings in the ARF will be done on merit, following a uniform policy.
Tolerance and patience against violent behaviour of protesters and dealing with the agitators with politeness should be the hallmark of the force while tackling a law and order situation, utilising their best professional skills as well as latest technology and equipment, the official said.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2020.