THE number of policemen killed in Karachi since the beginning of the year is a matter of grave concern. On Tuesday, a police constable was shot in the city`s Korangi area, bringing the number of police personnel killed in the metropolis to 45. It is only the fourth month of the year and it almost seems certain that last year`s tally of murdered policemen will be equalled, even surpassed; over 100 police officers were gunned down in Karachi in 2012. Policemen are also being killed elsewhere in the country. Among the victims of Tuesday`s suicide bombing that targeted an ANP rally in Peshawar were five policemen; hundreds of police personnel have died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the last few years. In Balochistan, the situation is not much different, as some estimates suggest around 400 policemen have been killed in a little over two years, while Punjab has witnessed comparatively fewer policemen dying in the line of duty. While the list of victims includes officers from higher ranks, the majorityof the men hailed from the lower ranks.

In Karachi`s case, policemen`s killings have taken place across the city, though District West has proved to be particularly deadly for the law enforcers. This is the same area where significant TTP activity has been reported. Religious militants and criminal elements are believed to be among the killers of policemen in the city, while law enforcers have been targeted by violent extremists in KP as well. There is a need to better equip policemen posted in volatile areas across the country. In the Karachi police`s case, only those law enforcers involved in operations are issued flak jackets, and then not all policemen wear these as standard operating procedure.

Even in KP, not all police personnel are equipped with these. The supply and wearing of flak jackets and other safety gear should be made mandatory, especially for those who serve in danger zones.

First-aid training should also be provided to policemen to enhance their capabilities.