The decision was taken at a meeting of the Islamabad Administration and police chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to review the security situation. PHOTO: NNI
In view of heightened security risks, a fallout of the recently-launched military strikes, the Rapid Response Force, comprising officials of the Islamabad Police and Rangers will start patrolling the federal capital from today.
The force has been empowered to conduct operations targeting terrorists and criminals, according to a press statement issued by the interior ministry. A joint control room has been established for surveillance and monitoring of patrolling vehicles as well as to send reinforcements.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Islamabad Administration and police chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to review the security situation. “Patrolling vehicles should not only check terrorism-related activities but also robberies and other crimes,” said the interior minister.
“Joint patrolling by the Rapid Response Force comprising Rangers and police will start from 6am tomorrow to check crime and terrorism in the federal capital,” according to an interior ministry spokesman quoted in a press statement. The Rapid Response Force will respond to calls and reach the spot within eight to 10 minutes. Islamabad has been divided into 13 zones.Khan said special emphasis should be given on the training of police officials on the pattern of the Elite Force. The minister also directed officials to take effective measures to secure the Red Zone, the area where important government institutions and the foreign embassies are located in the federal capital. “Police deployed at sensitive locations should be visible to the public.”
Khan asked police officers to conduct mock exercises to analyse the security of important places in Islamabad to better equip the police to meet any eventuality. The police should thoroughly inspect people and vehicles at security checkpoints in Islamabad, especially at entry points, he added.
The minister directed all SPs of Islamabad Police to carry out a security audit of their respective areas of jurisdiction and present reports within three days with special focus on Bari Imam and Margalla Hills.
The force has materialised at a time when the military has scaled up aerial bombardment against militants on their bastions in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas bordering Afghanistan. Militants are expected to carry out retaliatory attacks on civilian targets in cities. Security agencies have reported presence of sleeper cells of militants in and around the capital city.
Khan had floated an idea for a new force soon after taking charge. He had announced earlier this year that the force would be operational by April.
He also asked officials to publicise in the media that any complaint related to law and order would be promptly responded to at emergency telephone number 15.
He directed the district administration to accelerate the ongoing survey of katchi abadis and complete it at the earliest. He also ordered officials to check professional beggars and try and accommodate others in welfare institutions.
The minister said Constable Safdar of I-9 police station who sustained injuries while engaging with criminals on Murree Road a few days ago, would be given a reward in recognition of his bravery.
Secretary interior, NACTA national coordinator and Pakistan Rangers sector commander attended the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2014.
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