LAHORE: The provincial government on Wednesday proposed major steps to ensure lasting peace in Katcha areas of southern Punjab, including setting up of police base camps and check posts, besides purchase of armoured vehicles.

The measures were proposed at a meeting presided over by South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) retired Capt Saqib Zafar, and attended by Additional IG Police Maqsoodul Hasan and Planning and Development (P&D) Chairman Iftekhar Ali Sahu at the South Punjab Secretariat. DG Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) retired Capt Sajjad Hassan Khan, Bahawalpur RPO Rai Babar Saeed, Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Omar Gondal and Rajanpur DPO Dost Muhammad Khoso virtually participated in the meeting.

The top officials discussed the development of essential infrastructure in Katcha area, particularly in the districts of RY Khan and Rajanpur and decided to construct two police base camps and 19 check posts there.

It was also decided to procure three armoured vehicles to enhance the police capability to maintain law and order.

Mr Zafar said the plan is divided into two phases. In the first phase, two base camps will be established, one each in RY Khan and Rajanpur districts. Furthermore, nine check posts will be constructed in Rajanpur, while 11 will be established in RY Khan, bolstering the security apparatus across the region.

Mr Maqsoodul Hasan lauded the efforts of the Punjab Police in eradicating criminal elements from Katcha area, and said a comprehensive action plan has been devised to ensure long-term peace there.

Mr Sahu said a substantial budget of Rs913 million has been allocated for the construction of two police base campuses in Katcha area. Additionally, Rs590 million will be directed toward establishing 19 police check posts.

To enhance police’s mobility and response capabilities, an allocation of Rs 440 million has been made for the purchase of three armoured vehicles, with plans to acquire five more in the second phase, he added.

To facilitate the swift execution of these initiatives, a four-member committee has been formed to identify suitable locations for the base camps and check posts.

The committee comprises the deputy commissioner, DPO of the district concerned, besides executive engineers of irrigation and building departments. It will furnish a report on the projects within five days.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2023