Lack of funds: G-B police reeling under budget constraints

Jackets, boots, fuel not provided with uniform package this year.

GILGIT: Complaining about a lack of funds, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Zakaria on Monday said personnel will not be provided complete uniforms this year.

Addressing a gathering of policemen and officials at Police Lines, Zakaria said the department has been allocated the same budget since the past five years, without accounting for inflation. “Jackets, boots and oil (fuel) could not be given to the police this year and I want to bring this to your attention,” he said.

“Even then, we have managed to do remarkably well,” said Zakaria, adding 160 proclaimed offenders were arrested for six months by the force.

“When I was posted here nine months back, the force was divided along sectarian and regional lines, but it transformed into a single, strong unit,” claimed the IGP, saying the improved security situation was proof of his commitment.

G-B Chief Minister (CM) Mehdi Shah was the chief guest, while ministers, army, police and civil officials also attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Shah appealed to the finance ministry to increase the budget for the police force. He added development cannot take place if there is no peace, and appreciated the improvement shown by the police.

Talking about compensation packages for families of policemen killed in terrorist activities, Shah claimed the amount offered by G-B was the highest compared to the rest of the country. “In addition to Rs3 million, the widow of a martyred policeman is also paid full salary. One heir is given a job in the department and education expenses of the others are borne by the government. Previously, police officials used to collect donations to pay to the family of a martyr.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2013.