Bullet-proof vehicles new status symbol in KP

PESHAWAR: Bullet-proof vehicles have become a status symbol for well-off civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including those notorious for promoting gun culture in society, while police remain deprived of such cars despite being under threat from terrorists for years.

A number of regional and district police officers, as well as those heading operations in troubled districts, do not have bullet-proof vehicles in a province that has witnessed some of the worst attacks on police and security forces. The province has an insufficient fleet of armoured cars for senior cops, especially those leading operations in conflict-hit areas.

“Some RPOs and DPOs were recently given bullet-proof cars while a few others are to get them soon. However, many DPOs and other officers remain without protected vehicles despite serious threats,” an official told The News. He added that several old bullet-proof cars also need to be upgraded and repaired. Such vehicles are most needed in districts where frequent attacks have been reported over the years.

In contrast to the police, the number of civilians roaming around in bullet-proof SUVs has increased in Peshawar and other districts recently.A number of wealthy businessmen, political workers, and other individuals use armoured cars.

Some of those infamous for promoting gun culture also use such vehicles under the pretext of threats to their lives. They are often escorted by armed gunmen, many dressed in police-like uniforms, spreading fear among the public.

These vehicles are also used by families involved in blood feuds, and in some cases, occupants have survived attacks because of travelling in armoured cars.While many owners have obtained the required No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Interior Ministry, a large number of vehicles are on the roads without that.

A few car dealers sell armoured vehicles both with and without NOCs, with prices starting from Rs13 million for an older bullet-proof SUV. The latest models with better-protected cabins cost several times more.Some owners genuinely fear for their lives due to threats, while others use such vehicles purely as a status symbol.

“A couple of such vehicles were impounded in recent months for not having the NOC,” a police official said. He added that no one would be allowed to harass people by using escort vehicles and several gunmen.