MANSEHRA, June 22: DIG of Hazara region Attaullah Wazir has said the police department is facing shortage of funds which is the main hurdle in its efforts to improvr its performance.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Mansehra police lines on Tuesday in connection with provision of motorcycles and other facilities to police, he said funds provided by the National Reconstruction Bureau to the police department through union councils would help improve efficiency of the police force.

District Nazim Ahmad Hussain Shah and District Police Officer Yamin Khan also spoke on the occasion. The nazim handed over keys of 12 motorcycles to the DIG. Cash prizes were also distributed among police officers and jawans on the occasion.

The DIG said motorcycles would help police in enhancing vigilance and in patrolling duties as two riders were equal to eight constables on foot. He said presence of police in public places round the clock gave a sense of security to peaceful citizens.

Speaking on the occasion, the nazim said crime rate in the area had considerably come down due to better coordination between local government representatives and police.

He said recent arrests of gangs involved in robberies and murders and other heinous crimes was the result of that coordination. Earlier, DPO Yamin Khan gave details about the utilization of NRB funds and said Rs0.7 million had been provided to each police station through union councils.

He said eight police vehicles had been repaired while tyres of 13 other vehicles had been replaced. The DPO said washrooms were being built in the lock-ups. Instead of traditional police colours, police stations were being painted with attractive colours to give them a people-friendly look.