Securing foreign climbers: High Altitude Police unit set up in Gilgit

GILGIT:

A High Altitude Police (HAP) Unit has been established for the first time by the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) police, stated a press release issued on Sunday.

The body has been set up on the directives of the newly-appointed police chief of G-B, Captain (retd) Zafar Iqbal Awan. “Its prime duty will be to provide foolproof security to foreign mountaineers,” said the press release. “In its initial phases, the unit will comprise 50 police officials while 50 more will be appointed later.”

According to the press release, Awan also handed 12 special kits for policemen to Diamer SP Rauf Qaisarani at a ceremony in Gilgit. Speaking on the occasion, the police chief said the special kits will help police officials withstand frostbite while on high altitude. “Officials affiliated with the HAP unit should be encouraged to wear these kits rather than their police uniform,” he said.

In June 2013, gunmen dressed as paramilitary forces had stormed into the Nanga Parbat base camp and killed 10 foreign trekkers and their local guide.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2015.