Rs173m allocated to boost Bomb Disposal Squad’s capacity

The government of Punjab with a spending of Rs173 million is planning enhance the capacity of the Bomb Disposal Squad, an important wing when it comes to dealing with terror threats.

Around Rs27 million will be spent to acquire 16 bomb disposal response vehicles, The Express Tribune has learnt. Over Rs27 million will be spent on the fabrication process.

As many as Rs72 million will be spent to procure 16 bomb disposal suits, Rs9.6 million for 16 mine detectors, Rs12 million for 16 hook and line kits, Rs112.8 million to procure 16 non-magnetic tool kits, Rs33.6 million for 16 disrupters and Rs6.4 million will be spent to procure 16 bomb blankets.

An officer shared with The Express Tribune that the squad had only 14 vehicles and also faced scarcity in the bomb disputing equipment.

The step will help out fulfil the gap in lack of resources, he added.

In October 2020, the then Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar visiting the Bomb Disposal Squad had made the announcement of enhancing the capability of the squad, the officer added.

He continued that it was much needed because the Bomb Disposal Squad’s role had multiplied during last one and half decade due to the wave of terrorist attacks in wake of war on terror.

The squad had not only to respond to terrorist activities in post blast scenarios.

They also had to perform a job of screening and security clearance for VIP movement, routes and public gatherings. For every VIP movement or religious, political gathering, the SOP asked for security clearance from Special Branch Canine Unit as well the Bomb Disposal Squad.

There were many districts of the province that did not had the facility of the vehicle or equipment. If there was any such activity, they had to ask for the nearby places to move the vehicles, equipment and staff, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2022.