Rashid promises new housing for capital’s police

ISLAMABAD:

The police force of the federal capital, which has long been embroiled in a conflict with the city’s civic administrators over residential flats, was promised by the government on Thursday that new accommodations will be built for them soon.

This was disclosed by Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Thursday as he visited the Police Lines Headquarters in Islamabad.

Interior Secretary Yousaf Khokhar, Inspector General of Islamabad Police Aamir Zulfiqar and senior officials of the Islamabad Police were also present on the occasion.

The interior minister said that the purpose of his visit was to pay tribute to those officers who had sacrificed their lives for the country.

He said that the Rs3 million government package for martyred police personnel has already been increased.

The families of martyred personnel, he said, will be paid the remaining amount soon while their children will also be provided jobs in the force.

Commenting on the performance of the police force, Rashid said that the crime rate of the federal capital has declined significantly. Moreover, he expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) and said that the Islamabad Police will be made a role model for the police force in other provinces.

Rashid further said that police plays a pivotal role for peace and security in the country, adding that it is the second force for maintaining peace during difficult times.

In this regard, he promised to provide the police with all requisite facilities to discharge their duties efficiently.

He added that steps are being taken to build the capacity of the Islamabad Police and assured to take up the matter of enhancing perks and privileges of its personnel with the prime minister.

On the issue of accommodations for police personnel, the interior minister said that special efforts will be made to resolve the issue. He added that around 800 Kanal of land will be allotted for the purpose.

He added that the prime minister will review the passing out parade of the Islamabad Police scheduled to be held later this month. To a question, he said efforts are being made to make Islamabad a safe city of the country and the overall security plan will be further improved.

To ease movement of traffic in the city, the federal minister said that all unnecessary check posts will be removed in the capital. Further, a checking system through smart cars equipped with modern technology will be introduced in the city. The Islamabad Police will be provided with additional vehicles for patrolling.

Tasdeeq Application Rashid also launched the tenant, domestic help and employee online registration system, "Tasdeeq Application".

The Tasdeeq platform, which is both an app and an associated website, will help both domestic residents and businesses to register and verify the criminal background of employees and tenants in just a few clicks without having to visit the relevant police station. Tenants and domestic help can also be registered through the app.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Police Lines for his maiden visit to the Islamabad Police headquarters, the newly-appointed federal interior minister was presented with a guard of honour.