Extension of Safe City project to 100pc, use of modern investigation methods among top priorities: IGP
Zubair Qureshi
The crime rate in the federal capital has declined significantly and a number of blind cases have recently been resolved with the use of modern technology and scientific investigation.
The credit for this goes to the police chief of Islamabad, Inspector General of Police (IG) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan and his team.
Two months in office, the new IGP has taken drastic measures for instance, training of the SHOs and investigation officers (IOs) in scientific investigation methods, adoption and use of green energy at all police stations, modern investigation methods and upgrading the entire police infrastructure,.
The old and redundant investigation practice is now giving way to the quick, scientific methods like thermal imaging, forensic evidence thus giving quick results, said IGP Islamabad Police while talking to Pakistan Observer during an exclusive interview.
Recently, the IGP Islamabad on the directions of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and after approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated the extension of Safe City Project from current 30 percent to 100 percent.
The work has been divided into three phases, he said, adding during the first phase, all the faulty cameras are being repaired. Besides, more than 100 cameras at Melody Chowk, Aabpara and Pakistan Monument site have been made functional after repair work. Moreover, the repair work of other such cameras at Rawal Chowk, Taramri Chowk and other places is underway and this task would be completed soon.
The second phase includes 400 latest cameras at main avenues of Islamabad including Srinagar Highway, Islamabad Expressway as well as Margalla Highway and this task would be completed till August 2022. These safe city cameras are being installed on these highways. They will also help identify traffic violators and facilitate the police in issuing e-challan and ensuring traffic enforcement.
In the last and the third phase, safe city cameras would be installed in the entire city where required and this will prove to be a very high project. It would help to trace stolen cars and vehicles with fake numbers as well as non-custom paid vehicles. Islamabad Capital Police would share data with the Excise and Taxation Department. Once completed, it will virtually turn Islamabad into a safe city, said the police chief.
Another important measure taken by the IGP Islamabad is merging the patrolling system of the city through introduction of Police Unified Communication and Response (PUCAR-15) as this system was earlier under control of each zone and police station. The Eagle squads in the city would promptly reply on the call of PUCAR-15 and to act as first responder. The FIR of any incident would be registered on the spot and its copy would be provided to the complainant. This modern and refined system would help to ensure friendly police ecology in the city.
The new SOPs are being compiled to resolve the land dispute and cheque dishonor cases in the shortest possible time. Traffic management system is being connected with Safe City so that legal action may be initiated against the violators. Efforts are underway to further improve it while indiscriminate action is underway against vehicles having fancy number plates and tinted glasses. Islamabad Capital Police is also coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and tranquility in the city.
Under IGP Dr Akbar, not only has the police force been made smarter, quicker and more responsive, the IGP has also taken a number of measures for their welfare. In this regard, earlier this month a grant of Rs350 million was released for the construction of the state-of-the-art hospital for Islamabad police.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has formally approved the release of the grant. The 11,000 police force of Islamabad and their families will benefit from this hospital as earlier there was no such separate facility for them.
The police hospital was a long-standing demand for the Islamabad police has been fulfilled due to the personal interest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Minister for Interior Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, and Inspector General of Police Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan. The hospital for personnel of the Islamabad police is a major step for their welfare which would boost their morale, he said.
