Dolphin Force: Punjab government's white elephant?
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While the name may not strike fear into the hearts of hardened criminals, the newly established Dolphin Force – an elite security unit – is out patrolling the streets of Lahore.
The inspiration (and peculiar name) for the security force comes from a law enforcement unit in Turkey which greatly impressed Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, leading to its emulation at home. But while Sharif pushes to expand this pet project, top police officials eye the new unit with some disdain, as they believe it will meet an embarrassing end like its predecessors.
Exorbitant cost is the primary reason Dolphin Force looks likely to fail.
The unit has so far received 35 Honda CB motorbikes out of an estimated final strength of 300. With an engine capacity of around 500cc, the bikes have been purchased at a staggering cost of Rs1.5 million each.
Examine: CM fancies Istanbul police patrol model
The list of expenses the still nascent force has incurred does not stop here. Plans are also afoot to equip members of the unit with uniforms that cost Rs50,000 each, replete with attached cameras and a chip to monitor the officer's movement. Maintenance and repair costs will also be higher than those of previously established patrolling units.
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| The new 500cc motorbikes delivered to the Dolphin Force. — Photo courtesy: DawnNews screengrab |
Requesting anonymity, police officials, when contacted, say it is just a matter of time before the force and its expensive equipment runs out of funds to function in the manner envisaged by the chief minister. They add that the unit will eventually end up being deployed to protect VIPs, not to fight crime.
Take a look: PC-I of Dolphin patrol force submitted to P&D
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| The new 500cc motorbikes issued to the Dolphin Force. DawnNews screengrab |
DSP Dolphin Force Mir Kashif Khalil argues that such high-powered bikes are necessary for the unit to pursue and apprehend criminals involved in street crime. However, similar 'elite' units such as Muhafiz Force and Quick Response Force became redundant soon after they were established, due to a lack of funds to ensure maintenance of the 125cc motorbikes provided.
Most police officials that were a part of these units were reduced to using their personal vehicles to perform daily duties. To make matters worse, they were given a meager daily allowance of 1.5 liters of fuel.
Both units are now relegated to the protection of VIPs.
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| The 125cc motorbikes used by Punjab police. — DawnNews screengrab |
Several requests were sent to higher offices of the provincial government to increase the number of vehicles deployed at police stations, officials claim, but no response was ever solicited.
They add that most of the police stations in Lahore have just two vehicles, which is not enough to maintain law and order in the city. Funds splurged on the new elite unit could have been used to revamp the existing squads, officials argue.
For now, there is little optimism regarding Dolphin Force's success within local police circles.
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On DawnNews
Comments (89) Closed
Sep 21, 2015 06:56pm
Let me see if I got this right:
They couldn't find money to maintain older, cheaper 125 cc bikes. But miraculously, managed to find funds to buy 500cc bikes at whopping cost of Rs. 1.5 million each!?
Something wrong with this math! Or simply a tax-payer robbery!!!
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Sep 21, 2015 06:59pm
Idea of such a force is good. If they perform honestly then cost should not be a concern.
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Sep 21, 2015 07:05pm
It is biased and unrealistic analysis, because the force has yet to perform so how can you comment on its effectiveness? Moreover, such high tech organisations are usually expensive and require sophisticated training. Which I don't thing should be a problem.
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Sep 21, 2015 07:17pm
To counter the menace of violent street crimes (armed robbery etc), sting operations are the best solution by plain clothed officers.
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Sep 21, 2015 07:42pm
I am not a fans of Shahbaz CM,but here I strongly in favor of such a good change, Police, what ever e the name you choose, Dolphin, Elephant, Shark, etc. should be HONEST, prestigious, IMPRESSIVE, Highly paid, Disciplined, Punctual, Non-Politicized. I will request to all Journalist and columnist to visit abroad and see the changes worldwide. How they run the whole country with POLICE force only
Go to Karachi, you can witness 25 Police staff with several inspectors working like statue, very unimpressive, lazy, lousy, weak, looking for something from bickers, waiting for a bottle of drinking water, what a misery.
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Sep 21, 2015 07:43pm
A new police force to protect "Nawaz Sons and Family Co. Ltd."
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Sep 21, 2015 07:45pm
When a child is taken to a toy shop, it wants all the toys in the shop not knowing the cost, as the parents are suppose to pay. Same is the case with our respected Chief Minister! Can't some one school him on financial viability, project sustainability and cost-benefit analysis?
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Sep 21, 2015 07:46pm
I suggest they be staffed only with good looking men above 5'10" in height, 46 inches in chest and fair complexion. That way Pakistan can publish pictures to claim their police is at par with western countries.
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Sep 21, 2015 07:47pm
This looks like another PML failure in the making. Metro bus 2.0
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Sep 21, 2015 07:49pm
Punjab police, traffic wardens with grey uniform, LTC controlling police (green uniform), motorway police............. And now these dolphins.
More taxes, more taxes...
What's wrong with this man?
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Sep 21, 2015 07:51pm
Sounds like someone just unhappy with the current government. Besides, any local tech can maintain a 125cc bike. My CB100 back in the 70's was easily maintained in Lahore. Also 500cc Hondas don't cost 1.5 million. Calm down buddy.
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Sep 21, 2015 07:53pm
I just bought new CB500X in Chicago at a retail price of $6,000.00.
That comes to approximately Rupees 600,000.00
I could have made a deal with Honda and send this to Pakistan at reduced price when you buy in bulk.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:07pm
@zack khan You are living in the WORLD of illusion, We can not compare any of vehicle price from US or Canada with Pakistan. In US/Canada youcan purchase a nice vehicle in very cheap price. In Pakistan I have purchased 2010 Honda, with all parts in looks extremely weak in US$13000 = Rs 1,250,000. Mr. zack how you will manage their part, maintenance technique. I am sorry to say, you have no idea of vehicle in US and in Pakistan.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:20pm
Mr Sharif and his new Inventions to attract Voter's attention...Nothing helps the common man, cheap publicity stunt...
Has he ever used his efforts to sort out the existing Police (who perform duties of thugs) so that they actually perform their duties..
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Sep 21, 2015 08:23pm
That's our tax money, Mr. CM! Please spend cautiously. But you never listen to others on matters like this. Keep spending and one day we will have a govt. that will make you accountable for all these useless projects!!!
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Sep 21, 2015 08:28pm
@Mahmood : something is wrong with the mindset in Punjab govt. Easier to get a new vendor and than have some one in family given the contract and eat commission.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:29pm
@TARIQ : He know very well the finanacila vialbility; It must be someone in the family connections that have the contract and made money from Tax Payer. Classic PM-LN
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Sep 21, 2015 08:48pm
Who wants to fail them? The other police officers who are corrupt to the core and do not want to perform their duties at all. They also want other modern units to fail. The problem lies within, it is not matter of resources or any other thing.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:50pm
From comments, here, it looks like no one is for this kind of extravaganza then why are not people protesting this openly? Wasn't Imran Khan right about this. In KPK they are handling much more difficult situations through a well organized police without spending money on importing bikes etc.
I tell you this force is created of the protection of Sharif's family at the expense of taxpayers. I won't be available for me and you. Why are their lives more important than other Pakistanis?
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Sep 21, 2015 08:52pm
Another drama in the making, keep going.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:53pm
No innovation but copying other countries because the leadership is too old school. When the money runs out these bike parts will be sold in junk yard.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:54pm
Some comments are downright silly. It is the man behind the gun who matters. No amount of expensive equipment will matter if the force consists of people from Shabaz Sharif's current Police.
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Sep 21, 2015 08:55pm
@TARIQ well said. I fully endorse.
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Sep 21, 2015 09:04pm
Pakistan have a very bad human rights track record. Mostly the law makers are the biggest law breakers - and they justify it quite quickly. There is no need to spend money on fancy names and dresses. A plain uniform will also be acceptable as long as justice is served. Fail.
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Sep 21, 2015 09:08pm
How similar are politicians on both sides
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Sep 21, 2015 09:08pm
Should be affordable if funds are managed prosperly. I hope they'll be up to task in dealing with possible counter terrorism as well. Vigilance is key. These Honda bikes are not too maintenance intensive but will take more fuel than a 125cc junk. I'm the proud owner of a Honda CBR600RR and its plenty quick :)
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Sep 21, 2015 09:19pm
If something like this happened in Punjab then = Corruption, failure, ready to be doomed and lack of priorities etc. If the same stuff happens in KP then = Revolution, Imran Khan the greatest, the leader with the vision, the Naya KP, the role model etc. Kindly stop this hypocrisy. Biased behavior must have some limits.
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Sep 21, 2015 09:27pm
Call them "CHIPS" instead.
Lets hope they "can do the job"
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Sep 21, 2015 09:42pm
@naji I am only giving retail price, and am sure that you can get a much better price from Hona when you buy in bulk.
I did not include the maintenance price, I assume that the price paid by the CM is also price of a product and does not include the maintenance.
All said, if you are saying 1.5 million rupees is a fair price for each Honda, then you deserve the leadership you have.
You probably don't even know that the price paid is coming out of your child's education fund, your parent's healthcare and so on !
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Sep 21, 2015 09:43pm
This reeks of insider deal, favoritism and wastefulness of the highest order.
Why would anyone with an ounce of grey matter spends hundreds of millions of public funds on fancy security force that the country can ill afford. Would not make sense to use the resources to make the present law enforcement agencies more effective and given the right tools and technologies to perform their jobs that they are already familiar with??
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Sep 21, 2015 10:04pm
Probably chief minister had seen abhishek bacchan starrer Dhoom and impressed by prowess on motor bike in catching criminals.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:04pm
Most of PMLN projects are done in a hurry, ill maintained,tainted with scandals, and fizzle out due to lack of funds after some time.
We cannot copy Turkey or Police forces of the West.
What we need is highly paid and well educated Officers who can administer their forces strongly and effectively and importantly without political interference.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:04pm
It won't be a waste if police officials will let them kill target killers, and not take away this units esprit d' corps. They should be armed with flare guns (at night) and grenade launchers to confront target killers. 9mm pistols and grenade launchers. A motorbike hit by a grenade won't get away. They should be immune from prosecution and not give out tickets. The should be backed up by police cars blocking exits in a chase. The should hunt target killers only - and every boy in Pakistan will want to join the unit. They should be trained by the Turkish motorcycle police in Ankara. They should never be attached to cop shop. Better for them to be national police.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:12pm
@Mahmood .... Only a 500 cc bike (or better) can over take target killers on the run. On roadways the target killers won't get away on their 250 cc bikes. A 125 cc Yamaha is a dirt bike, not a street bike. You do tricks with it. In 1955, the world speed record was broken at the Utah Salt Flats by a 650 cc Triumph motorcycle engine clocked at 201.4 miles per hour. They are not going on sissy patrol.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:14pm
First you make your home like Rome before you do as Romans.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:17pm
@AsR ... This are not patrol officers. They are a tactical squad targeting target killers. A police car cannot get through traffic to to apprehend target killers on motorbikes. Television networks should be donating more 500 cc motorcycles.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:18pm
@Gulkhaiz ... Nawaz Sharif should have them train with Turkey's All Black motorcycle police in Ankara. Then they will know their business.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:20pm
@Atif Khan ... Plain clothes officers are helpless at catching target killers fleeing through the streets on motorbikes. Cars can't catch them.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:22pm
Yet another adventure like Danish schools.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:26pm
@TARIQ ... How much would you pay to get them if your mother was killed by assassins? Can we put a price tag on that?
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Sep 21, 2015 10:29pm
@Ahmed ... You are not getting this. These are not traffic police giving out speeding tickets.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:35pm
Its taxpayers money, put to complete waste (like its predecessors)... But why would it bother SS, it will give him a good photo shoot oppurtunity, he will be praised through a huge series of banners spread across Lahore and eventually recieve good security from the same force.
Just another while elephant like most of NS/SS projects.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:36pm
@Rao Name one useless failed project of KPK govt. From sasti roti to Danish School to Laptop schemes to Ashiyana Housing to Metro, list of garbage is endless!
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Sep 21, 2015 10:39pm
@Anwar Sadiq .... Wake up! There will be 20 times that number in Karachi. These are anti gang units able to respond mush more rapidly to terrorist attacks. When your police cars arrive the terrorists have already fled the scene without a chase.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:40pm
Hondas? I'm surprised that they didn't go all the way... and bought BMW bikes, or perhaps Bugattis??
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Sep 21, 2015 10:41pm
@jay ... What does Imran Khan want to do? Chase killers on bicycles? Get yourself a bachelors degree in criminology. Then come back.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:43pm
There should only be two Major types of Police!
The Police and Transport/Traffic/Motorway/Highway Police! nothing else
Police should be left independant to have specialist units for counter terrorism, sniper units etc.
CM or PM shouldnt have no direct control over Police they should operate without any political influence!
Government should only evaluate their results for crime control.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:45pm
@Nasir ... Motorcycle engines can be rebuilt. They only need the valve seats and heads ground, new piston rings and new valves. What's the big deal?
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Sep 21, 2015 10:50pm
@zack khan you are right but you didn't factor the Shahbaz sharif's commision. they would get few new factories at the end of this term.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:55pm
@Sonny Afridi ... It is easier to by Honda parts worldwide than any other.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:57pm
@ NajiIf change is productive , work and better than existing system it is acceptable . But one expanding million people s money and result is Lazy , lousy, weak looking people on expensive bike make it criminal.
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Sep 21, 2015 10:58pm
Dolphin Force. If they are not all killer whales they need to find another job.
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Sep 21, 2015 11:08pm
Pakistani public fully deserves this kind of treatment. They keep electing their beloved politicians without questioning any of their wrongdoings. So keep it up and get kicked all around.
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Sep 21, 2015 11:11pm
Please some funds for electricity. If you remember your promise that you will finish load sheding within 6 months otherwise don't call me sharif. Remember ???
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Sep 21, 2015 11:48pm
They should've gone for Pulsar 200rs or Indian made KTM rc390.
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Sep 22, 2015 12:07am
Another creative way of having fun on the face of Taxpayers money. These 500 CC bikes are good, but they will never be able to maintain it as all parts come from imports. Instead they should have used the money to upgrade the existing infrastructure at a fraction of the cost. Not in my name...I as a taxpaer don't agree with this dumb idea.
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Sep 22, 2015 12:10am
If the use even half of this cost to increase salaries of normal police the results will be manyfold better, quicker and longer lasting.
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Sep 22, 2015 12:19am
The project can fund itself. Whatever loot is recovered, can be spent on paying wages and maintaining the fleet. Alternatively the crime fighting can be outsourced and agents can work on commission. God knows there is no shortage of criminals in Punjab. Per capita, it leads the nation for this statistic.
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Sep 22, 2015 12:46am
I wonder how these cops would wear those outfits in Lahores scourging heat. Plus the government must invest money in modernizing weapons and hardware than spending money of heavy bikes.being a borderline pmln supporter I strongly feel Shahbaz need to think about his strategy for next 3 years. Please do not make these foolish decisions. And stop being a one man show
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Sep 22, 2015 12:48am
Same they said about metro but it proved to be a hit.
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Sep 22, 2015 01:13am
What a waste of money. Sharif brothers acting so trigger-happy when it comes to spending public money.
In the streets of Lahore one can chase and catch the bad guys by running on foot. All streets and thoroughfares are choked with mismanaged traffic.
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Sep 22, 2015 01:31am
@Deepak Probably we beat you hands down in every department.The grandiose, lofty plans to impress public is unmatchable. Have you read their bus services in Islamabad and Lahore and the exorbitant cost?
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Sep 22, 2015 02:23am
@Sonny Afridi You are here just to let us know that you have a freeking bike, that's all!
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Sep 22, 2015 02:31am
1.5 million ($15,000/-) for these bikes ... Madness!
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Sep 22, 2015 02:36am
If we want the police to perform then we need to give them the resources to do the job, and the respect that they deserve. In the west you will find police driving in brand new SUV vehicles consisting of BMW and police will even have a fleet of helicopters. Each police station will have a fleet of new cars and vans, and great expense is incurred in their maintenance and fuel costs.
Whatever money is spent on the police, who do a difficult job and put their lives at risk on a daily basis to protect the public in not enough.
A city the size of Lahore needs around 30,000 police officers and around 100 police stations.
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Sep 22, 2015 03:04am
@naji you are such a day dreamer :-)
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Sep 22, 2015 04:35am
Change don't come from mere cosmetic uplift.......... if they can't fight crime on 125 then they won't on 500!!!
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Sep 22, 2015 05:10am
Why don't they see the more chronic problems????? There was already a white elephant painted red (the metro bus) & now this. This will definitely end up trying to protect the N officials.
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Sep 22, 2015 05:12am
Traffic crawls in our towns so how this rapid force would be able to move around at speed on congested streets.
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Sep 22, 2015 05:19am
What a joke, who does the feasibility report on sch things. Wouldn't it be better to recruit educated youths and give them good money and for better policing of the people. Teach them English and manners, as well as give them a car to patrol the city. Unfortunately, the whole country needs to be improved nod stop implementing ideas just because the CM liked it.
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Sep 22, 2015 06:15am
Mr CM please wake up, it's Punjab not Dubai! Smart brains are required to control street crimes not 500 cc bikes. Wish we can import CM from Turkey as well.
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Sep 22, 2015 06:25am
Ashiana, Danish schools, sasti roti, Dolphin force, Solar park and mother of all Nandipur. Welcome to shinning Punjab.
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Sep 22, 2015 07:16am
Yet there is no money for karachi to build it's roads...
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Sep 22, 2015 08:01am
This force will only create terror in the hearts of residents, the worst ever idea after metro, these bikes come from our tax money.
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Sep 22, 2015 08:04am
@TARIQ Cost-benefit analysis is done if you are a stake holder or liable for the money, Mr. CM is neither liable nor a stake holder, this comes from our tax money, these are our bikes ridden by super cops that can barely afford a deodorant rest assured citizen protection.
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Sep 22, 2015 08:05am
@Atif Khan Extremely old school, still living in soviet war?
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Sep 22, 2015 08:56am
Apparently the logic behind the creation of such force seems noble. Predicting a failure for some good effort before it is even put in to action is strange. However, the administration must consider that the success of such force depends more on its training rather its sophistication of equipment. The concept of service should be inculcated in the minds of those selected for this job. I have experienced the humbleness and sense of service of the like force once on my visit to Istanbul. The officers had spotted a lone child. They were more affectionate towards him than any one else could be. And, were in the process of relocating him to a safe place in a police car before his parents could be found. Luckily his mother arrived. They were equally humble to her, offered the mother and child consolation before handing over the kid to her. We have to search our souls. We have replicated a good thing . However, can we put such life in to the replica?
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Sep 22, 2015 09:07am
Now here's a great accomplishment by the CM - goes to Turkey on tax payer expense, takes a fancy to something out there, and decides to implement it in Lahore - without consideration to cost. I am smiling at the legion of fans (some here on DAWN) who are such believers in the CM. Simpletons?
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Sep 22, 2015 10:42am
Why bikes only to punjab police ?
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Sep 22, 2015 10:45am
@TARIQ well said man
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Sep 22, 2015 10:46am
Its so funny
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Sep 22, 2015 10:46am
well said tariq
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Sep 22, 2015 11:31am
Sharifs have a penchant for creating this & that force. Decades before they had created one "Elite Force". All these years I have failed to find a single member of this force performing a serious policing duty.
All they are fond of doing is checking people for carrying liquor ( & provide a settlement there & then) and asking couples of their nikahnamas.
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Sep 22, 2015 12:20pm
The right word for Dolphin Force is Punjab White Elephent ....I think its extra burden that goverment has taken which is just waste of money, and It has nothing to do with locals, its only for elite Goverment Officials....only
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Sep 22, 2015 12:25pm
@naji In fact, you yourself do not understand what Zack was saying. He's saying that money's been diverted per motorcycle bought. A motorcycle like this, when being bought in bulk should not be costing that much, especially when most of the tax from the high vehicle price is due to tax. Tax is the reason vehicles are cheaper in the US and more expensive in Pakistan.
Whatever the taxes, if something is being sold at retail for $6,000, then it can be bought a lot more cheaply in bulk, without taxes and other selling costs. This was the point.
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Sep 22, 2015 02:02pm
1. Our police needs to be properly equipped. That costs money.
2. Instead of continuing/improving the work of previous government, every new government, starts its own agenda. There is no accountability. Thus no one project lasts and money goes into politicians private accounts.
3. Police force who will be using such high resources should be trained.
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Sep 22, 2015 02:37pm
the idea of installing cameras on uniforms is a great one, we all complain about police doing this and that. When they are constantly filmed which Police wala will be so bold as to ask for bribes or misbehave?
This is a solution from the west where police have been held to account and it can work in Pakistan also.
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Sep 22, 2015 03:36pm
Please depoliticize your force, rest will be followed.
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Sep 24, 2015 11:47am
Can someone stop our beloved CM visiting turkey???
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