ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced plans to create a world-class anti-riot force and integrate a cutting-edge forensic lab into Islamabad’s Safe City project, aiming to enhance law enforcement capabilities in the capital and uphold security standards to meet global norms.
Speaking during a meeting of the Task Force on Law and Order, which was convened to address the recent unrest in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the capital, particularly in light of the violence during the November 24th sit-in. He condemned the actions of the rioters, who not only caused significant damage to public property but also targeted law enforcement personnel, leading to casualties.
PM Sharif reaffirmed that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable under the law, underscoring that a rigorous weekly review process would monitor the progress of legal actions against those behind the chaos.
Highlighting the importance of modernizing law enforcement tools, he unveiled plans to create an anti-riot force designed to handle protests and public unrest with a level of professionalism and effectiveness consistent with international standards. The newly formed force will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and training to maintain public order, particularly during large-scale demonstrations.
Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed that a forensic lab would be incorporated into the Safe City project to improve the investigation and analysis of crimes. The lab will enable law enforcement agencies to conduct more precise and reliable forensic analysis of evidence, including weapons, shells, and other materials gathered from crime scenes, such as the protest site.
The meeting also highlighted that efforts to identify the rioters are already underway. Once identified, the perpetrators will be swiftly brought before the courts.
The establishment of the new anti-riot force and forensic capabilities represents a significant step towards enhancing the country’s law enforcement infrastructure, ensuring that Islamabad is better equipped to handle future challenges and maintain peace effectively.
