Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KPCCI) President Fawad Ishaq lauded the police force for providing a safe environment. PHOTO: ONLINE
He was speaking at an award ceremony organised at the KPCCI office in the city on Wednesday. During the event, shields were awarded to police officials who had sacrificed their lives to ensure peace and stability in the region. A majority of the shields were received by family members of the deceased officials. However, awards conferred on senior police officials — such as the late FC Commandant Sifwat Ghayur and CCPO DIG Malik Saad — were received by officials of the police department. Shields were also distributed among officials who have performed their services in an exemplary manner.
Law and order
“The situation is far better now,” said Ishaq. “A large number of police officials have put in extra effort to make sure the business community can conduct their activities in a smooth and efficient manner.” According to the KPCCI president, kidnapping for ransom cases and threats from extortionists have decreased.
“At least 2,000 police officials have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said. “We will always remember their sacrifices.”
A different world
Speaking on the occasion, former KPCCI president Zahidullah Shinwari said traders and businessmen in the city can finally heave a sigh of relief due to consistent efforts made by the police to restore peace.
“Last year, traders were faced with difficult circumstances,” he said. “They were afraid of living in the province. However, things have changed drastically over the past few months. Traders who were once reluctant to stay in K-P are now willing to invest in the province.”
However, Shinwari said some traders were facing minor difficulties. “I hope these problems will be resolved through discussion and debate with senior law-enforcement officials,” he added. IGP Nasir Durrani said existing resources have been used to ensure the police force is equipped to deal with challenges.
“There has been a 60% decrease in militant activities and a 55% reduction in extortion and kidnapping for extortion cases,” Durrani said. “This will boost the confidence of traders and the business community and attract investment in K-P.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2015.
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