Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) 53-strong Special Combat Unit (SCU), awarded the Jaguar insignia, is ready to tackle counter-terrorism operations in the province after rigorous training by the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy.

The SCU, KP's largest counter-terrorism unit yet, was raised on the directions of former KP police chief Nasir Khan Durrani and inaugurated by KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on 19th August, 2014.

The force has now completed its training and is conducting mock exercises in Peshawar in order to familiarise itself with different parts of the city.

Equipped with sophisticated weapons, the force's mandate is to handle major crises, such as hostage situations and terrorist attacks on sensitive installations.

The SCU began as a contingent of 150 personnel belonging to the police's Elite Force who were selected on the basis of their performance.

The SCU received nine months of rigorous training from the Special Services Group of the army and the navy in all modern warfare tactics, including para-trooping, heli-repelling and waterborne operations.

The unit was to be equipped with sophisticated weapons, and have at its disposal the quickest possible means of mobility including availability of a standby helicopter facility.

The 'Jaguars' will be available for movement on zero-minute notice, and can be deployed in any part of the province for sting operations, interdictions, counter-terrorism operations, helicopter and airborne operations and amphibious operations both independently and in support of other police units or law enforcement agencies.