Interior minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal chaired command conference of civil armed forces (CAF) to overview the border management and security situation in the country. The meeting was attended by Frontier Constabulary, Pakistan Rangers, Sindh and Punjab; Frontier Corps, Gilgit Baltistan Scouts; Pakistan Coast Guard commanders and officials from Ministry of Interior.
Interior minister while chairing the meeting highlighted the importance of civil armed forces role in security and development of Pakistan and lauded the services rendered by civil armed forces in the improvement of law and order and border management.
He stated that due to Geo-Strategic challenges in the region, level of operational preparedness of civil armed forces should be based on well concerted strategy in order to safeguard peace and stability in the country. "Our economy is at take off stage and we must preserve security and stability to harness opportunities of CPEC." He added.
Interior minister asserted that civil armed forces will be equipped with modern training, equipment and technology to enhance their capacity and efficiency. He directed that bullet proof vehicles should be procured on priority basis to protect lives of jawans and officials.
Ahsan Iqbal also directed to overcome all the difficulties of CAF in procurement of modern ammunition and arsenal to counter the menace of terrorism. Civil armed forces are the eyes and ears of the government for maintaining peace and enhancement of their capabilities will secure our borders as well internal security, he said.
Civil armed forces must act in a proactive mode to address the current security challenges, Ahsan Iqbal added. He said that command conference will be held on quarterly basis to review the progress. The communication between CAF and all stakeholders should be further synergised to have a greater operational impact. He said that Pakistan Coast Guard has assumed a crucial role in view of CPEC and maritime security.
Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the role of Balochistan's Northern and Southern Frontier Corps for fighting the intruders and conspirators who want to subvert CPEC projects in the province. "The role of FC in construction of fence at the western border is highly appreciable. Pakistan is committed to peace in the region. By securing borders with fence, we will deny terrorists chances of subversion on either side," he added.
Ahsan Iqbal commended the Sindh Rangers for restoring the law and order situation in Karachi while he also lauded the gallantry of Frontier Constabulary jawans and officers who are fighting valiantly against the malaise of terrorism in KP along with Army.
He said that Gilgit-Baltistan is strategically an area of utmost importance. In this connection he directed the expansion of the GB Scouts wings to be expedited through new recruitment policy. Our security forces have laid down their lives for safeguarding the sovereignty of their motherland and the whole nation is indebted to their sacrifices, he added.