ISLAMABAD, Dec 19: One of the challenging tasks for Islamabad Police is to provide foolproof security to the VIPs and VVIPs.

Out of 10,000 strength, over 2,000 personnel of Islamabad police perform round the clock security duties with VIPs and VVIPs.

This information was placed before the National Assembly by the ministry of interior on Wednesday in response to a question asked by Shagufta Sadiq of the MQM.

In a detailed written response, the house was told that a superintendent of police managed the VIP and VVIP security along with three officers of DSP and ASP rank, 25 inspectors, 104 sub-inspectors, 160 ASIs, 309 head constables, 1,607 constables, 43 lady constables and 82 driver constables.

A spokesperson for the Islamabad police, said they simply obeyed the orders came from the minister of interior’s office.

Talking to Dawn, a senior police official said it was very unfortunate that a major chunk of police force in Islamabad was detailed for VIPs and VVIPs security, and the general public was ignored.

However, he explained that perilous law and order conditions the country had descended into over the years, “we are left with no choice but to take care of the VVIPs.” God forbids, if something untoward happens as far as the security of these VVIPs is concerned, people will always point fingers at the police, added the official.

Replying to another question relating to Islamabad police, the ministry told the House that capital city continued to be favorite hunting ground for motorcycle and car lifters.

During 2011, a total 114 motorcycles and 493 cars were stolen from Islamabad, whereas during the current year the number has been dropped to 86 (motorcycles) and 437 (cars).

However, the interior minister, through a written response, contended that the figure showed a considerable decrease in motorcycle and car theft cases which happened due to the better strategy adopted by the ICT police.

No answer was given to another question, which asked the interior minister whether the street crimes were increasing in the city with every passing month.

Information regarding total number of FIRs registered in each police station in Islamabad regarding murder and rape cases during the period from March 15, 2008 till date was also not provided. The questioner also asked if the culprits involved therein have been arrested; if so, the details thereof? There was also no reply to the question regarding year-wise total amount spent on law and order situation in Islamabad during the last five fiscal years.

However, the minister of interior provided a detailed reply about the steps which the Islamabad police had taken to control increasing number of motorcycle and car theft cases.

He said besides providing special training to police force to nab car-lifters, general public has also been advised to take special measures for the protection of their vehicles.