ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police chief feted about a quarter of the police contingents who participated in the law and order duty during the recent PTI protest.

Police officers told Dawn that a lunch was arranged for the officers and officials at Police Lines Headquarters.

As per the security plan for the PTI protest, 5,310 officers and officials, including eight superintendents of police, 21 assistant/deputy superintendents and 5,276 inspectors, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, head constables and constables were deployed at different places.

They were from all the divisions, including operations, security, logistics and units and wings, including Safe City, Special Branch, investigations and traffic police.

Says you have safeguarded lives and property of people, thwarted miscreants’ nefarious plans

Each police contingent comprising 200 officials was deployed at Express Chowk and China Chowk, the two points at Jinnah Avenue where an operation was conducted against the protesters during late hours of November 27.

However, the guests for the ceremony included selected 1,500 personnel only. According to the order issued from IGP office “As per desired by IGP a ‘Bara Khana’ is being held at Police Lines Headquarters on November 30 at 11am.”

In this regard, the following number of police personnel will attend the event, it said, adding “1,500 officers and officials were feted with the delicacies - 900 from Operations Division (CTD, ARF, ITP, RDU, investigation) 375 from Security Division, 110 from Logistics Division, including 30 from ministerial staff, 30 from Special Branch, 30 from Safe City and 25 from Capital Police College.”

All concerned, including DIGs, AIGs and SSPs were asked to ensure the presence of the personnel for the meal.

Some police officials praised the IGP and said ‘Bara Khana’ was arranged for the force only on Eids. In the past, only two to three times the personnel were feted for their services during law and order duties.

However, many officials complained that not all the police personnel who participated in the law and order duty were invited.

A statement issued by the police said Islamabad police “organised a prestigious ceremony to honour and pay tribute to its brave, fearless, and dedicated officers.”

The ceremony was held at the Police Lines Headquarters to recognise the police officers who demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage during recent law and order.

Inspector General of Police IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi was the chief guest while DIG Islamabad Syed Ali Raza, DIG Headquarters/Security Mohammad Jawad Tariq, all AIGs, SSPs, SPs and police officers from all divisions were present.

The IGP paid tribute to the officers who “displayed unmatched bravery and made eternal sacrifices to uphold law and order in the federal capital.”

He said: “I am proud to lead this brave force, and I will always remember my time serving with Islamabad Police. Every officer in this force is chosen and appointed by Allah. By renewing your commitment to Allah, you have safeguarded the lives and property of the people and thwarted the miscreants in their nefarious plans.”

He added, “My force has shown extraordinary bravery in serving and protecting the citizens as well as maintaining law and order in the city. All my officers - whether executive or ministerial staff - were present at the forefront of every action. By working tirelessly, day and night, they ensured the peace and security of the city’s residents. No citizen’s life or property was harmed. All law enforcement officers worked together as a family, successfully repelling the invasion of the federal capital by miscreants.”

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024