Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Arif Nawaz Khan revealed on Thursday that a squad of "Tourist Police" will provide security cover to the Sikh pilgrims and other tourists during the Kartarpur corridor opening ceremony which is scheduled on November 9.
"After the Kartarpur, the ambit of "Tourist Police" will be extended to Murree, Fort Monroe and Nankana Sahib which will increase the prestige and honour of the Punjab police," said the IGP while speaking to a 100-member batch of Tourist Police in Narowal. The squad has been trained in crime-fighting and public dealing.
According to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab CM Usman Buzdar, the Punjab police will provide foolproof security and guidance to the Sikh pilgrims during their visit to Pakistan.
"In this regard, the Tourist Police will be deputed at the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate and support the Sikh pilgrims and tourists. We striving to promote soft image of the country by ensuring foolproof security of the tourists," added the IG.
He said the squad has been equipped with the latest equipment and heavy bikes and it will also provide legal assistance to the pilgrims among other facilities. He expressed that the cops through their professionalism will make the visit of Sikh pilgrims and other tourists memorable.
The IG also lauded the efforts of AIG PHP Manzor Sarwar Chaudhary for forming a special contingent of the Tourist Police in a period of one month. RPO Gujranwala Tariq Abbas Qureshi and DPO Narowal Zulfiqar Ahmad and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
During his visit to Guru Nanak temple, Incharge Special Protection Unit (SPU) Abid Bhatti thoroughly briefed the IG about the security arrangements.
Speaking on the occasion, Arif Nawaz said that terrorism adversely affected the local tourism in the last decade.
"However, peace has been restored in the country and tourists across the world are visiting Pakistan due to the sacrifices of personnel of armed forces, local police, Rangers and FC," he added.
He continued that the Punjab police always acted as a front line soldier and 1,500 martyrs are proof of their sacrifices.
"Our officials will continue to serve and protect the public at the cost of their lives; we are also committed to enhancing their capabilities by using the latest technology, training patterns and effective use of available resources."
No police force can achieve its objectives without the public's cooperation, so the senior police officers should gain trust of the public by improving the performance and public dealing ensuring that problems of poor and deserving citizens are being addressed at priority, added the IG.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019