Gearing up: K-P to further train counterterrorism police force

Services of international firm sought for the purpose.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government will continue to review and further improve the training of its counterterrorism elite police force, and may hire the services of specialised international agencies.

For this purpose, Cubic Defense Systems, an international firm providing training to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Singapore and US police, held a meeting with K-P Chief Secretary Muhammad Shehzad Arbab on Friday. Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Syed Akhtar Ali Shah and DIG Police Mohammad Alam Shinwari were also present, stated an official handout.



Using charts and simulations, it was explained how the force could be further trained in multiple integrated laser engagement system, instrumented ground combat, virtual small arms, live fire ranges, communication and close-quarter battle facilities, and be brought at par with developed countries.

The chief secretary explained he wanted to prioritise rescue, operation, combat, bomb disposal, and IED handling and intelligence, particularly counter-terrorism intelligence.

It was decided the firm’s representatives will first conduct a training assessment of the police by reviewing their training manuals and facilities before presenting a proposal.

The government has lately trained some 6,000 personnel on the counter-terrorism force, and has been expressing its resolve to further improve the department.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2013.