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PESHAWAR, Feb 06 (APP):Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi on Friday visited the Peshawar Police Lines, where he laid floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered Fateha.
On the occasion, the CM paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of officers and personnel of the KP police.
During the visit, the CM formally handed over bulletproof vehicles and modern security equipment to the police. The equipment included bulletproof and non-bulletproof vehicles, motorcycles, SMGs, bulletproof jackets, bulletproof helmets, and sniper rifles.
Addressing the gathering, Sohail Afridi said that for the past two decades, the KP police have remained on the front lines in the fight against terrorism and have never hesitated to make supreme sacrifices.
He stated that unfortunately, a certain mindset failed to give due recognition to these great sacrifices; however, the provincial government stands firmly with its police force and is fulfilling all their requirements on an emergency basis.
The CM informed that after assuming office, the government allocated Rs 7.7 billion to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), while a special package of Rs 7.2 billion was approved for the Special Branch. Similarly, Rs 6.5 billion has been released to strengthen security infrastructure and enhance police capacity in the merged districts.
He said that the CTD and Special Branch are being further strengthened, new recruitments will be made, and modern infrastructure will be developed. An additional grant of Rs 3.8 billion has been approved for the Safe Cities Project, which is being expanded from Peshawar to divisional headquarters and merged districts.
Expressing confidence, the CM said that the province will soon be freed from the menace of terrorism. He added that decisions imposed through closed-door meetings cause serious harm.
He urged elements using political pressure on the police to refrain and allow the KP police to remain non-political.
He further stated that during a jirga held in the KP Assembly, it was unanimously agreed that military operations are not a solution. Instead, a comprehensive and long-term policy against terrorism should be formulated by taking political and religious parties and tribal elders into confidence.
Condemning recent attacks in Balochistan, the CM expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
He concluded by saying that the KP police are fully prepared to deal with any untoward situation.