Taking action: ‘Swat police can tackle any untoward incident’

Malakand DIG briefs media on ongoing crackdown against anti-social elements in division.

MINGORA: Swat police is well-equipped and trained to tackle any untoward incident in the valley, said Malakand DIG Azad Khan on Thursday.

Addressing a press briefing on the ongoing crackdown against anti-social elements in Malakand Division, Khan said violation of the law will not be tolerated and the police will deal with all criminals with an iron fist.

“Our policemen are capable of maintaining peace and can show good performance in times of need,” said Khan. “In Swat, the presence of security forces is also helping in maintaining law and order.”

The DIG lauded the services of several policemen and announced prizes for them for excellent performance.

Meanwhile, hundreds of suspects have been arrested from across Malakand since Tuesday and a large cache of weapons and drugs have also been seized. According to a press release issued from the DIG’s office, police in Swat, Shangla, Buner, Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Chitral launched a crackdown against anti-social elements on the directives of DIG Azad Khan.

“Several people, including 25 foreigners, 92 wanted criminals, 407 other suspects, have been arrested,” the press release stated, adding 11 AK-47s, 64 pistols, 13 guns, 11 rifles, 1,664 bullets, a grenade and 2.7 kilogrammes of gunpowder have been seized.

Moreover, 32.2 kilogrammes of hashish, 45 litres of wine, 191 grammes heroin and 768 grammes opium were also confiscated. Cases have been lodged against the culprits.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2015.