IG for safety of foreigners working on CPEC projects

LAHORE:IGP Shoaib Dastgir has said providing protection to foreign experts and citizens is the basic responsibility of Special Protection Unit (SPU) and in this regard, negligence, carelessness or nonprofessional attitude shall not be tolerated at any cost.

He directed DIG SPU and other officers of headquarters to pay visit to sensitive working sites and projects in different districts and also submit a detailed report regarding performance of officials deputed over there and available resources to central police office. He said if the tenure of NOCs and visas of Chinese or other foreigners have been expired and still they are staying in Pakistan then their reports should be provided to Home Department immediately. While directing DIG SPU, he said SPU is an important operational force of Punjab Police whose officials are performing security duties for foreign experts and investors on CPEC projects, therefore, all officers and officials should perform their duties will full hard work, diligence, commitment and bravery whereas training courses and training workshops based upon modern parameters for enhancing capacity and efficiency of the officials of SPU should be continued.

He expressed these views while chairing a session regarding performance and working of special protection unit at central police office. During the meeting, DIG SPU Umar Sheikh briefed the IG and said for security of most sensitive projects, SPU personnel have been imparted modern professional training in accordance with the parameters of contemporary age so that no stone should be left unturned for security and protection of Chinese and other foreign experts. He said currently, SPU personnel are providing security to 4,000 foreign experts on CPEC projects and also security to 2,000 Sikh pilgrims coming to Kartarpur Corridor at Narowal on daily basis whereas the total projects different projects including CPEC are 31 where more than 6,500 SPU personnel are providing security duties to foreigners.

He briefed special attention is being given for recreation of personnel like football, hockey along with other sports despite constructive and other extracurricular activities whereas special desks have been established at all international airports across the province where the data of every foreigner is archived and saved at the airport and the steps are launched for their security right from the airport.

He said an MoU has also been accorded between SPU and Ministry of foreign affairs under this MoU, information sharing and coordination is ensured regarding security of Chinese and other foreign experts.

Meanwhile, IGP Shoaib Dastgir said reward and punishment system in police department was being made further strict. Officers and officials performing their duties with hard work, commitment and honesty would be encouraged and appreciated and no leniency for those showing carelessness, slackness and trespassing powers, he said.

He expressed these views while addressing police Darbar and Media talk at Police Lines Qila Gujar Singh Lahore. Upon his arrival, he was presented salutation by an active police squad after which IGP offered Fateha at martyr’s monument.

While talking to the media, the IGP said that all postings would be on merit in the police department. He pledged to take care of the welfare of police and continue to resolve the problems of martyr families.

In a special meeting with officers after police Darbar IG Punjab directed for establishing modern integrated control rooms at entry and exit points of city Lahore maintaining record of all criminal elements, stolen vehicles and monocycles ensuring a thorough checking of vehicles.