The Provincial Police Officer (PPO) NWFP Mohammad Sharif Virk Monday said that the present 35,000-strength of police was not sufficient for maintenance of law and order in the growing population and prevailing situation in the province.
Addressing a meeting of traders and industrialists here at Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) that in present situation the province required 65000 modern arms and ammunition and other instruments equipped police force. He said that the criminals are equipped with modern firearms like Kashnikovs and other weapons.
President of SCCI, Liaquat Ahmad presided over the meeting attended by a large number of traders, industrialists, presidents and general secretaries of the associations of various bazaars of the City and Cantonment areas of the City District.
Flanked by Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), DIG, Abdul Majeed Marwat, the police chief said that they are pursuing the commitment of federal government regarding provision of 15000 personnel for the force.
However, he said that they are using their full potential to prevent the theft, kidnapping and murder incidents in the province. "We are directing police officials to pro-active and let no opportunity with the anti-social elements to strike," told Virk.
The provincial police chief was of the view that only police is not responsible for the maintenance of law and order, adding that the whole society is required to play its role in it. He said that due to the presence of Afghan refugees and heavy weapons, the occurrence of the incidents of lawlessness is natural thing. He urged the community to keep vigilance on elements threatening law and order situation.
He acknowledged that law and order situation in the province was deteriorating and not good. In response to grievances regarding treatment given to people at police stations, he said that a lot of efforts have been made for bringing change in the Tahana culture. They have been directed time and again to handle people in good manner at the police stations. "The change is coming is coming and change in the prevailing set-up has become inevitable," he assured.
He also agreed with the proposal of the formation of a liaison committee at the level of SCCI to discuss the day today problems with the local police high ups.
Speaking on the occasion, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), DIG Abdul Majeed Marwat disclosed that the police was in constant touch with provincial and district governments for the installation of the cameras at critical and sensitive points in Peshawar City and Hayatabad Township.
He said that they are making all out efforts for preventing bomb blasts in the city. However, he admitted that some matters always remain out of their control. He said that now-a-days they are giving top priority to law and order and all police personnel have been deployed in busy bazaars to prevent the occurrence of terrorist incidents.
He said that the police constantly remain in touch with the political administration regarding the kidnapping for ransom incidents. He said that majority of the large cities of the province were situated adjacent to tribal areas. In case of kidnapping we immediately tell political administration, but also have their problems creating hurdles in quick action against the culprits.
Regarding traffic problems, he said that an operation has recently been launched against all encroachments. All encroachments from Hayatabad to Hazarkhwani Square on Ring Road have been demolished or removed. Furthermore, he said a large number of buildings have been constructed in violation of building byelaws. "Different mafias including politicians and government machinery are creating hurdle in our drive against encroachments," informed the CCPO. He said that the Capital City Police has taken actions against Chenchequi Auto Rickshaws and buses from Bara, Khyber Agency. But, such actions were always suspended on interruption of certain quarters on one or the other pretext. He said they take any one to task on violation of traffic rules and regulations.