PESHAWAR: Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Kashif Zulfiqar said here on Monday that advanced combat strategy by police, especially intensification of intelligence-based operations, and use of modern equipment not only thwarted armed attacks but also compelled militants to retreat.

Talking to journalists during his visit to Peshawar Press Club on Monday, he said that security operations in merged districts and use of modern gadgets by militants were casting an impact on law and order in the provincial metropolis.

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However, he said that by adopting an advanced strategy of increasing intelligence-based operations and equipping police with modern weapons, the attacking militants were forced to retreat.

Mr Zulfiqar said that a recent attack by a large number of militants on Jumma Khan post near Nasir Bagh area was effectively repulsed. He stressed the need for enhancing police infrastructure to match the city’s expanding population and area.

Kashif Zulfiqar says modern gadgets provided to police force

He said that the ongoing endeavours would bolster professional training, equip officers with modern weapons and augment manpower for effective policing. “There is also a need to raise security divisions for countering hardcore militants,” he added.

The SSP said that majority of police personnel were recruited to perform duty at police stations and had fewer capabilities of fighting with hardened criminals, who were also equipped with modern weapons. He said that morale of police was very high as they performed duty day and night amid heightened threats of attacks from militants, especially in suburban areas.

“With the courage of police force and adoption of new strategies, militant attacks are now on hold,” he claimed. He also stressed the need for ‘safe city project’ in Peshawar, highlighting its important role in combating various forms of crime. He said that the scheme was delayed but it was not too late to initiate a pilot project for ensuring security in the city.

Mr Zulfiqar talked about use of social media by police personnel, highlighting the significance of upholding departmental standards and ensuring a cohesive approach to official communications.

He asked police officials to adhere to established protocols when engaging with social media platforms, emphasising the importance of maintaining professionalism and avoiding any actions that could undermine the integrity of the department.

He also talked about security plan for the upcoming Muharram. He urged all stakeholders to facilitate law enforcement agencies to maintain exemplary law and order in Peshawar.

To a query about animal rights, the SSP said that police were taking action against those people, who were involved in fighting different birds including cock, quail, partridge, dogs and bulls.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2024