Stuck in the past: Malakand Levies use 'antique' rifles
Since its inception in 1895, the Malakand Levies have been using Markhor Rifles to fight terrorists.
Since its inception in 1895 the Malakand Levies have been using the Markhor Rifles. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most affected province to be hit by militancy in a war that has lasted more than a decade, the edifice of its counter terrorism strategy in the volatile Malakand Agency became a laughing stalk when it was revealed that the Malakand Levies, the main security force in the district still use 'antique' rifles left back by the British Raj in 1895.
Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Nisar Muhammad submitted a resolution on Monday, seeking to improve the overall performance of the Malakand Levies in the Senate. He stated that since its inception in 1895, the Malakand Levies have been using Markhor Rifles. At that time the number of levies officials was 192 and while the number has risen to 1,835 in 2014, antique rifles are still used to maintain law and order in the area that has seen a massive military operation in recent years and remains volatile.
"The rifles are to be kept in the museum [rather] than to fight militants," said the senator. He also revealed that the entire levies force only has 500 AK-47s. While majority of the force is either uneducated or under-qualified, in the absence of any other security apparatus they are solely responsible to conduct investigations and search for forensic evidence too.
The 24 check posts built by the British house the offices of the Malakand Levies to date. Each check post has two rooms and space for up to 50 men, Nisar Muhammad told the house.
In response to these claims, leader of the house, Raja Zafarul Haq said that the senator has brought up an important issue and the government recognises its importance. Haq said that Rs40 million has been demanded to train, educate and provide the Levies with newer equipment. The home department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is planning to provide an additional 500 AK-47s to the levies force. Furthermore, he requested the senator to withdraw the resolution to which he agreed.
While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most affected province to be hit by militancy in a war that has lasted more than a decade, the edifice of its counter terrorism strategy in the volatile Malakand Agency became a laughing stalk when it was revealed that the Malakand Levies, the main security force in the district still use 'antique' rifles left back by the British Raj in 1895.
Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Nisar Muhammad submitted a resolution on Monday, seeking to improve the overall performance of the Malakand Levies in the Senate. He stated that since its inception in 1895, the Malakand Levies have been using Markhor Rifles. At that time the number of levies officials was 192 and while the number has risen to 1,835 in 2014, antique rifles are still used to maintain law and order in the area that has seen a massive military operation in recent years and remains volatile.
"The rifles are to be kept in the museum [rather] than to fight militants," said the senator. He also revealed that the entire levies force only has 500 AK-47s. While majority of the force is either uneducated or under-qualified, in the absence of any other security apparatus they are solely responsible to conduct investigations and search for forensic evidence too.
The 24 check posts built by the British house the offices of the Malakand Levies to date. Each check post has two rooms and space for up to 50 men, Nisar Muhammad told the house.
In response to these claims, leader of the house, Raja Zafarul Haq said that the senator has brought up an important issue and the government recognises its importance. Haq said that Rs40 million has been demanded to train, educate and provide the Levies with newer equipment. The home department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is planning to provide an additional 500 AK-47s to the levies force. Furthermore, he requested the senator to withdraw the resolution to which he agreed.