Police to get firefighting equipment

RAWALPINDI:

Following the PIMS tragedy, the Rawalpindi police have decided to install fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment at all police offices and stations to deal with fire emergencies.

The SSP Operations has issued a letter to the three divisional SPs, sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) and station house officers (SHOs), directing them to ensure the installation of firefighting equipment at their respective offices and police stations. Officers have also been asked to submit reports confirming the operational condition of equipment already installed at their premises.

Rawalpindi police have two central offices headed by the Regional Police Officer and City Police Officer, in addition to the offices of the three divisional SPs - Rawal, Saddar and Pothohar. There are also SDPO offices in various circles, including City, Waris Khan, Civil Lines, Cantt, New Town, Taxila, Kahuta, Saddar and Gujar Khan, as well as around 29 police stations.

The Police Lines also house the offices of the SSP Investigation, SSP Operations, SP Headquarters, SP Security, the Regional Officer of Punjab Highway Patrol, several DSPs and other staff, besides a police colony. However, fire safety equipment is reportedly rarely seen at these offices and stations.