KP facing growing terrorism challenge: IGP

PESHAWAR: The new inspector general of police on Friday said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing a bigger challenge in terms of terrorism but the incentives for the force were less than other provinces.

While talking to senior journalists at the Central Police Office, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed said solid and immediate measures were being taken to improve the security situation in the province, particularly the southern districts.

He said when he was appointed the IGP KP, many did not congratulate him due to the challenging nature of the job but he has accepted the challenge and will do his best for the people of KP.

“The first thing I have to do is to provide a sense of security and peace to the people. We can restore the confidence of the people once we restore peace in different districts, especially southern KP,” said the IGP.

He assumed the charge when the Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu divisions in the south were facing everyday attacks while the situation also deteriorated in Kurram. Also, a post was attacked in Karak the other day which was otherwise peaceful among the southern districts.

“Despite the challenges, the incentives for the KP Police are fewer compared to other provinces. I have forwarded two summaries to the government for increasing the salaries and Shuhada package of the KP Police at par with Sindh and Punjab if not Balochistan,” said Zulfiqar Hameed.

He said the chief minister has assured an increase in the salaries. The IGP said without the welfare of the force the desired results cannot be achieved.

He said they will also strengthen the police stations, police posts and other buildings in the entire province.

“More sophisticated weapons including long range thermal imaging guns will be provided to the force to fight the technology being used by the terrorists that they got from Afghanistan,” said the IGP.

He said the KP has the highest number of martyrs in the last two decades but it's package for martyrs is the lowest. He said they have also taken up the issue of promotions as well as more recruitment to at least get the sanctioned strength.

About the operations in southern districts, the IGP said effective and solid actions will be taken there along with other forces.

“We will also improve the operations and investigation of the Counter Terrorism Department for effective operations against the network and individuals across KP," said IGP.

About Kurram, he said apart from counter terrorism operations at some places, administrative decisions are also being taken to restore peace. He said bunkers have been demolished and committees have been formed to implement the agreements.

About threats to Peshawar and other districts, Zulfiqar Hameed said challenges are still there and they are taking measures to stop attacks from Khyber and other areas.

The IGP said special operations will be conducted against the drug dealers, criminals and other mafias to restore durable peace in KP.