August 19, 2003	Tuesday	Jumadi-us-Sani 20, 1424

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RAWALPINDI, Aug 18: The government has released a sum of Rs52 million to the Islamabad Capital Territory police for the purchase of anti-riot equipment — vehicles and other paraphernalia — , an official source told Dawn.

In addition, 11 (single-cabin) pick-up vans have already been purchased by the police for escort and pilot duties for VVIPs with an amount of Rs8.87 provided to the district administration under funds allocated in the police reforms during the year 2002- 2003, the source added.

He said Rs38 million would be used for purchase of 35 vehicles, including two double-cabin pick-ups, 10 4x4 single- cabin pick-ups, two motorcycles (500cc), 30 motorcycles (250cc) and one CNG-fitted Baleno car and one cane.

The list also include 12 mobile wireless sets, 32 motorcycle wireless sets, 32 stobe light with siren (2 blue, 2 red revolving light with high powered hooter and amplifier) and 10 fibre glass prefabricated bodies (canopy, seats and carpet).

The source said that Rs14 million would be used for purchase of anti-riot equipment for the protection of VVIPs, including foreign dignitaries.

The grant will be used for purchase of 50 bullet-proof jackets, costing Rs48,000 each; 13 walk-through gates (18-zone latest), 1 plastic explosive detector, 2 infra-red heat detection scanner, 1 electronic stethoscope, 1 night vision USA cat, 1 CC- TV with video link transmission system, 5 SMG (AK-47), 20 Glock Pistols, 10 laser sights, 6 search lights and 5 binoculars.

The district administration of Islamabad had submitted a report to the interior ministry, seeking the release of funds for purchase of vehicles and anti-riot equipment as the police force had no vehicles to escort VVIPs.

Meanwhile, the inspector-general of police, Islamabad, Mohammad Akram, held a meeting with officials of the ministry of finance on Monday and discussed with them the issue relating to the release of Rs1,000 each for police personnel as given to the Punjab police.

Sources said the much-awaited raise was expected to be finalized within the next few days.