RAWALPINDI: After problems with officers fitting into new police uniforms in Lahore, it was decided that uniform sizes will be reviewed and the distribution of uniforms to the Rawalpindi police will be delayed.

The first batch of new uniforms was distributed in Lahore early this month after being approved by the Punjab chief minister but it was soon found that most officials could not fit into them.

It was then decided that the nine sizes will be reviewed before more uniforms are made and distributed in other divisions, including Rawalpindi and according to Additional Inspector General of Police Humayun Bashir Tarar, the process may lead to delays in the distribution of uniforms until mid-May.

He said officers are not allowed to have their own uniforms stitched as only approved fabric can be used to make the uniforms by an approved tailor.

“Since officers serving in ranks between that of inspector through to IGP are given a uniform allowance, they have to pay for them,” AIG Tarar said.

Earlier, the AIG had said the new uniforms will be provided by the end of April which will be olive green and which will help officers keep cool in the heat.

Each uniform contains a two pocket shirt, four pocket trouser and a cap and costs Rs1,950. Samples of them have been received by the concerned authorities in Rawalpindi but they are waiting for the fabric.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2017