Zubair Qureshi
The Islamabad police have recently launched a number of initiatives to curb street crime and violence against women as well as ensure security and law & order in the city.
The latest in this regard is installing of CCTV cameras in all police stations to ensure transparency and citizen-friendly environment.
Use of drone cameras in Margalla Hills, setting up cycle patrolling unit and the fourth but the most important initiative is the establishment of Gender Protection Unit, first of its kind to give a swift response to the victims/affectees of the gender-based violence or crime, etc.
ASP Amna Baig, a young woman police officer, has been made In Charge of the unit that receives complaints 24/7 at 8090. A well-trained woman police staff is deployed at the desk.
Besides, a psychiatrist and medical staff also remain present to provide legal assistance, medical help or psychological guidance to the affected women or children.
About drone cameras in Margalla Hills, Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jamilur Rehman said with these cameras trails will be monitored and trekkers security ensured.
Besides, special force will be deployed in collaboration with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) to provide security and guidance to the visitors.
The force will also help trace trekkers who sometimes lose their track inside the hills. We, by using drone cameras will ensure their safe return, he said.
SSP (Operations) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanweer said since a large number of women hikers also visited these hills, lady policemen would also be deployed for their guidance.
Earlier, under its urban police initiative a ‘Cycle Patrolling Unit’ was launched by the Islamabad police to curb the street crimes and incidents like mobile phone snatching, women harassment etc.
The bicycling police patrolling unit—8 men and 2 women cops—is deployed in areas where big cars or motorbikes cannot easily access and the well-trained male and female members of the unit do surveillance of markets, parks, jogging tracks & trails, streets and places.
