Protecting installations: Capital to get new anti-riot force

Will be called in to disperse crowds, maintain public order

ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry has decided to form an anti-riot force to counter sit-ins and processions in the federal capital, it is learnt.

A source at the interior ministry said that the new force is to be set up to secure key installations in the capital as the security of these sensitive places is compromised when police are moved from these installations to counter a sit-in or procession in Islamabad.

He said that the riot police would be called in to tackle various situations and for a variety of different purposes, including controlling riots, dispersing or controlling crowds, maintaining public order or protecting people or public property.

The ministry is said to have given the go-ahead to the inspector general of police (IGP) to take necessary measures to translate the concept of ant-riot force into reality. He said that the force would consist of 2,000 policemen who would be trained on modern lines at the police lines in Islamabad. He added that police high-ups have already made arrangements to ensure training at the earliest.

The riot police, he said, would be part of the regular police who could assume the role of riot police in certain situations within the regular police force.

As many as 2,000 personnel would be taken from the current strength of the Islamabad police and trained till the new contingent is recruited.

He added that the force would not create problem for the peaceful protesters but would come into action if anyone tried to ransack public property. The anti-riot police will also be given special equipment to help protect themselves against any attack.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2014.