PESHAWAR, June 10: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are capable of maintaining law and order situation in Swat and other districts of the Malakand division if the security forces are withdrawn from the region, says provincial police chief Ihsan Ghani.

He was talking to reporters after launching website of the provincial police department at the central police office here on Monday. He said the website would ensure effective communication between police, press and public to improve policing in the province.

Talking about militant violence, the police chief said: “The situation in Peshawar is more challenging because the district is surrounded by tribal regions. However, the police have controlled the situation and put the militants now on the defensive,” claimed Mr Ghani.

He said the traditional ‘thana’ culture would be changed in consultation with stakeholders to bring a positive change in officials’ behaviour to curb crimes. “We will soon hold a workshop attended by politicians, media persons, students, lawyers, retired judges, bureaucrats, women and other professionals to seek their input in setting up model police stations,” he said.

Mr Ghani said officials involved in misuse of powers and politics would be dismissed rather than being transferred. He asked people to visit police stations and check performance of the staff by themselves. He said these steps were meant for reforming police and facilitating complainants.

“Complainants will be kept informed about the action of the police high ups and fate of their complaint,” said the police chief.

He said all shoulder promotions from top to bottom in the police department would be done away with.

He said that despite serious threats the May 11 general elections were ensured in a peaceful atmosphere which was enough proof of the police capabilities to face any challenge in a befitting manner.

He said a modern police control room would be set up in the provincial capital to promote cordial relations between journalists, police and public.

Additional IGP (operations) Mian Mohammad Asif, DIG (headquarters) Awal Khan, AIG (finance and procurement) Mohammad Quraish and other high ranking officials were in attendance.