LAHORE: As the Elite Force remains preoccupied with the security of VVIPs, there are complaints that it is ignoring its duty towards the man in the street.

The force was established in Punjab to fight terrorism and hardened criminals.

High-profile personalities including the prime minister, chief minister, senior judicial officers, IGP, governor, ex-premiers, federal ministers and secretaries are the prime beneficiary of the force that is trained to exhibit a high degree of skills in use of firearms, personal combat and reconnaissance missions.

Documents show the force is predominantly used for VVIPs, ignoring the masses. Fifty-three of the 74 vehicles have been permanently deployed for the VVIPs, say documents, as 34 Elite Force vehicles have been provided on a permanent basis to the prime minister and the chief minister, eight to the superior judiciary and 11 to the miscellaneous escorts.

Besides, seven have been reserved permanently for the VVIP cavalcade duties. Fourteen Elite Force vehicles have been deployed at the Kot Lakhpat Jail, Civil Secretariat, Anti-Terrorism Court, Lahore High Court, Sessions Court, Aitchison College, China Consulate and the offices of intelligence agencies.

The service of the Elite Force police of other districts has also been taken for the provincial capital. According to the documents, out of the 36 vehicles brought from other districts, eight have been deployed at the Raiwind residence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 14 at the 96-180/H Model Town Lahore residence of the chief minister, four at Qurban Police Lines and one each at the China Consulate and the residence of the inspector general of Punjab police.

As for human resource, the documents say, a good number of highly skilled and trained officials have been deputed for the dignitaries and state functionaries.

Punjab Elite Police DIG Afzal Butt did not respond to repeated calls or text messages sent by this reporter to seek his point of view.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2017