06 March 2005	Sunday	24 Muharram 1426

PESHAWAR, March 5: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said on Saturday that the government was endeavouring to enhance professional competence of the Frontier Constabulary by equipping the force with heavy weaponry and latest wireless and visual equipment to meet its prime objective in the changed security environment.

Addressing the annual passing-out parade of the recruits here at the FC Training Centre Shabqadar, the interior minister said the FC had all along played a commendable role in the restoration of law and order, eradication of smuggling and combating terrorism.

The force needed better training, modern weaponry and communication equipment for which necessary proposals were under consideration of his ministry, Mr Sherpao said.

Twenty-three new platoons, he said, would be added to the FC force which would not only provide jobs to the unemployed youth but also improve its performance.

The minister eulogized the performance of the FC, saying its services in the restoration of law and order had been acknowledged throughout the country. He also praised FC's role in restoring the government writ in the Northern Areas.

He said the earth-breaking ceremony of the FC district building in Islamabad would be held on March 14 in order to cater to the in-service training requirements of the force.

Appreciating the training standards at the Shabqadar centre, he said the ongoing training of the 550 cops of Islamabad police was indicative of the high standard of training facilities and expertise available at the centre.

The training facilities in the centre would be further streamlined besides improving the existing accommodation facilities, he said, adding that the new residential recruit blocks would be constructed shortly.

The minister agreed that the amount of compensation paid to the FC personnel killed in fighting be brought at par with the NWFP and Sindh police.

He expressed the hope that the newly passed-out recruits would keep the brilliant traditions of the force and remain alert for safeguarding the national interest.-APP