QUETTA: Police are working effectively alongside the Frontier Corps and intelligence agencies to make Balochistan safer, Quetta Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Imran Shaukat said.
Addressing a press conference at his office on Thursday, he acknowledged that the pe ople had faced difficulties due to security checks, checkpoints and other restrictions in previous months due to security threats.
However, he expressed confidence that the security situation would improve further in the coming days, and welcomed constructive criticism of the department, saying that it would help them identify shortcomings and improve their performance.
He also announced that citizens would no longer have to face unnecessary difficulties in getting their cases registered as an audio recording system had been installed at police stations to record interactions with complainants.
Police are protectors and public servants, he said, adding that officers and personnel received their salaries and benefits from taxpayer money and were, therefore,accountable to the people.
He said the business community andlocal residents were cooperating with police to control crime and prevent criminal activities, adding that CCTV footage was being used to identify suspects and bring them to justice.
Talking about recent attacks on police stations in Bhag, Kharak and Sansar, he said that security arrangements had subsequently been strengthened in the wake of these incidents.
The provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, was providing full support and resources to strengthen the force, he said, adding that steps were being taken to improve police capacity through modern weapons, vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, communication systems and other equipment.
He said police personnel were also receiving specialised training, including training for the Anti-Terrorism Force to improve their ability to tackle terrorism and organised crime.
DIG Shaukat praised his force for performing its duties on the frontline againstinsurgencyin the province, adding that around 1,500 Balochistan Police personnel, including officers and constables, had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while protecting the lives and property of citizens, and defending the country.
He outlined progress in various cases, such as the murder of businessman Hashim Noorzai, the Sariab bank robbery, as well as the acid attack on a doctor.
The official also disclosed that a security application had been introduced for banks to improve coordination and ensure timely reporting of suspicious activities.