NWFP Chief Minister, Amir Haider Hoti Tuesday disclosed that government has recruited 300 ex-armymen for security of provincial metropolis and appointment of 700 more would be made very soon. Responding to questions at a press conference here at Frontier House.
The Chief Minister said government is seriously taking measures to provide security to the people and in this regard several decisions have been taken. He said recently it was decided that 1000 ex-armymen would be recruited for the security for Peshawar and in this regard about 300 appointments have so far been made. Similarly, he added, he had given approval to the demands of Police department seeking funds for purchase of several security-related equipment costing up to millions of rupees.
He said he has directed Finance department to release funds at the earliest to the Police department so that necessary equipment could be purchased for providing security to the dwellers of the province. He said very soon explosive detective scanners would also be installed at all entry points of Peshawar so that entrance of any terrorist in the city could be foiled.
Amir Haider Hoti said provincial government has given priority number one to improvement of law and order situation and in this regard would take all possible measures. He also appreciated the performance of security forces, especially police force, which is rendering great sacrifices for the sake of providing security and safety to the people of the province.
The Chief Minister said media only reports those incidents of terrorism, which happened, but does not report those incidents which are foiled by security forces. In few cases, he added, even the suicide bombers were arrested by security forces at the risk of their own lives.
About involvement of foreign hands in recent wave of terrorism, the Chief Minister said it could not be ruled out. He said from the day one provincial government is expressing suspicion of involvement of foreign hands which wanted to de-stabilise Pakistan.
He said masterminds of the recent blasts in Peshawar have been arrested and soon after completion of investigation the hands behind such incidents would be probed. About delay in trial of arrested militants, the Chief Minister said the amended version of Anti Terrorism Law would be finalised very soon after which the trial of arrested terrorists would start.