K-P cops to undergo psychological review

Govt initiates move after tragic Swat shooting

PESHAWAR:

In response to the tragic incident involving a school van in Swat, the provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has taken decisive action by issuing directives to the police department.

The Home and Tribal Affairs Department has instructed the police department to conduct a comprehensive security profile and psychological review of its personnel who are assigned duties in public places. This step aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and prevent any potential threats posed by individuals within the police force.

The directives, which were issued on May 17, come in the wake of a distressing incident that occurred on May 16 in the Sangota area of Swat. During the incident, a school van came under gunfire, resulting in the tragic killing of a minor girl and causing injuries to several others.  The shocking event sent shockwaves across the country and triggered a public outcry for swift and effective measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.

In a letter addressed to the provincial police officer, the Home and Tribal Affairs Department stressed the urgency of conducting the security profile and psychological review of police personnel. Furthermore, it recommended that such evaluations be conducted on a regular basis, with tests being administered every six months as part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accountability within the police department.

Simultaneously, the K-P government has formed a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the firing incident on the school van in Swat.

The committee, convened by the additional secretary judicial of the home department and comprising a DIG investigation as its member, has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing a comprehensive report on the incident.

It will also examine the service profile of the constable involved, Constable Alam Khan, and delve into any potential health issues, particularly psychological illnesses, that may have affected his behaviour.

Additionally, the committee will investigate the constable’s associations with undesirable elements, proscribed organizations, or any other factors that could have influenced his actions adversely.

The Swat school van shooting incident, which claimed the life of a young girl and left five others injured, has generated significant concern among the local community and beyond.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2023.