LAHORE: The Anti-Riot Police force has been launched in the provincial capital to effectively control violent protests.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Dr Haider Ashraf said on Thursday the anti-riot unit would play a significant role in ensuring peace and prosperity in the city.

Initially, he said, 40 police officers of various ranks including master trainers had been trained by the Turkish police in Istanbul. They later trained 1,000 policemen which were shortlisted from the Punjab Constabulary (PC) and inducted in anti-riot police. Among them are 70 women.

The DIG was addressing the first court of the unit at Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh on Thursday. Anti-riot unit SP Muhammad Naveed and special commandos participated.

The force would be equipped with the latest anti-riot equipment including teargas guns, water cannons, special vehicles and body protection gear.

The force will be divided into groups of 25; each having a specialised vehicle with surveillance cameras, allowing the senior commanders to watch and assess any situation and take a decision accordingly.

Dr Haider Ashraf said the commandos would perform duties in the final match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2017