GUJRANWALA, Oct 13: The police department has decided in principle to close down its training centres in Gujranwala, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan to cut expenditure, it was learnt.

Sources said here on Saturday that these centres were established some 15 years ago for the training of newly-recruited constables. Refresher courses for other senior police officers were also held at these centres.

The training centre in Gujranwala’s police line was expanded and reconstructed by former DIG Ahmad Nasim during his four-year tenure here. He collected donations to construct a six-room academic block, two hostels, a mess and a market besides recreation parks and a play ground. After his transfer, police employees started using the expanded portion of the centre.

The centre was also providing training facilities to newly-recruited constables from six districts of Sialkot division. Now the new recruits will have to go to Sargodha, Chuhng (Lahore) or Sehala training centres.

Sources said that some senior police officers have opposed the plan to close down these training centres.

SHOT DEAD: A man was shot dead while his father and brother were injured by unidentified assailants in Guru Nanakpura here on Saturday.