Ahsan chairs CAF command conference

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal chaired the command conference of civil armed forces to overview the border management and security situation in the country.

The meeting was attended by Frontier Constabulary, Pakistan Rangers, Sindh and Punjab; Frontier Corps, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts; Pakistan Coast Guard Commanders and officials from ministry of interior, said a press release issued here.

The interior minister highlighted the importance of Civil Armed Forces' (CAF) role in security and development of Pakistan and lauded the services rendered by Civil Armed Forces in the improvement of law and order and border management.

He stated that due to Geo-Strategic challenges in the region, level of operational preparedness of civil armed forces should be based on well concerted strategy in order to safeguard peace and stability in the country. “Our economy is at take off stage and we must preserve security and stability to harness opportunities of CPEC,” he said.

The minister asserted that civil armed forces would be equipped with modern training, equipment and technology to enhance their capacity and efficiency. He directed that bullet proof vehicles should be procured on priority basis to protect lives of jawans and officials.

The interior minister also directed to overcome all the difficulties of CAF in procurement of modern ammunition and arsenal to counter the menace of terrorism.

Civil armed forces were the eyes and ears of the government for maintaining peace and enhancement of their capabilities would secure our borders as well internal security, he said.

He said the civil armed forces must act in a proactive mode to address the current security challenges. The minister said the command conference would be held on quarterly basis to review the progress. The communication between CAF and all stakeholders should be further synergized to have a greater operational impact.

The interior minister said Pakistan Coast Guard had assumed a crucial role in view of CPEC and maritime security. He also appreciated the role of Balochistan’s Northern and Southern Frontier Corps for fighting the intruders and conspirators who want to subvert CPEC projects in the province.

“The role of FC in construction of fence at the western border is highly appreciable. Pakistan is committed to peace in the region. By securing borders with fence, we will deny terrorists chances of subversion on either side,” he said.

He commended the Sindh Rangers for restoring law and order situation in Karachi and also lauded the gallantry of Frontier Constabulary jawans and officers who were fighting valiantly against the malaise of terrorism in KPK along with Army.

The minister also said Gilgit-Baltistan was strategically an area of utmost importance. In this connection he directed the expansion of the GB Scouts wings to be expedited through new recruitment policy.

He said our security forces had scarified their lives for safeguarding the sovereignty of their motherland and the whole nation was indebted to their sacrifices.

Later on, officials from CAF briefed the interior minister about the equipment requirements and on the progress on security and border management issues in provinces and regions of Pakistan.