Provincial Minister for Anti-Terrorism Sardar Ayub Khan Gaadhi said on Wednesday that the newly-established Special Operations Unit (SOU) will play a frontline role in operations against hardcore criminals and terrorisms in the province.
While addressing the first passing out batch of 112 personnel of SOU at the Elite Training Centre on Wednesday, the minister said that despite all physical trainings, many other counter-terrorism courses have also been included in their courses in order to make this force an illuminating precedent for other forces.
AIG PHP Amjad Javed Saleemi attended the ceremony as acting IGP while AIG Establishment Azhar Hameed Khokhar, AIG Welfare and Finance Muhammad Tahir, CCPO Lahore Ameen Wains, DIG Operations Amir Zulfiqar Khan, DIG Training Waqar Abbasi, DIG Establishment Syed Khurram Ali Shah, DIG Security and Admin Special Branch Shahid Haneef, DIG Elite Force Muhammad Afzal Butt, Commandant Elite Training Centre Lieutenant Colonel Pervez Iqbal and other senior were also present.
"Like distinguished status of the Elite Force, this force will establish new trends with their professional abilities," the minister hoped, adding that it has also been laced with modern weapons which would help them in countering latest emerging challenges. Speaking to the participants, DIG Elite Force Muhammad Afzal Butt said that the need of establishing this force was felt during Kachha operation last year.
"After the operation, it was decided to establish the aforementioned force and they selected over 180 personnel of Elite Force for the purpose. Now after completion of three months course, 112 personnel have been passed out in first phase, who have been trained in practical skills and equipped with modern and sophisticated weapons," the DIG said.
He said the training of the special operations unit was conducted under the supervision of retired officers of army's SSG unit. "By the ability of the SSG officers, the SOU has become two sided whet sword and due to their efficient proceedings new chapters of zeal and determination have also been added in the records of Punjab police.
The DIG said it was the need of the hour to establish such a highly-skilled force which would combat against emerging challenges of terrorism, adding that they are thankful to Punjab chief minister for provision of resources for fulfilment of this unit.
He congratulated all passed out personnel and instructed them to rise as a pride of Punjab police after facing all challenges for safety of lives and properties of people and sacrificing their lives for safety of humanity. On this event, the SOU personnel also showed their practical skills in firing practicing and countering terrorism activities.
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