KARACHI: The Sindh police have decided to introduce new uniforms for their personnel to improve the perception of the force and to make it agreeable to local weather conditions.

“The government of Sindh, considering the recommendations of IGP Sindh Dr Kaleem Imam, has approved the introduction of new uniforms for the Sindh police to exhibit the perception of better policing among the citizens,” a police spokesperson said.

The IGP stated that the prime reason behind the changing of the uniform was to enhance policing and to bring it up to international standards.

“It will surely have a fruitful result in exhibiting perception of improved policing among the citizens,” said Mr Imam. He said he hoped that the citizens would appreciate this replacement of the uniform.

DIG Operations Maqsood Ahmed in his briefing said the new uniforms were designed in accordance with the “latest international standards, local weather conditions and improved quality”.

“Sindh police will be the sole provider of the new police uniforms to ensure the quality of fabric, colour and stitching, local suppliers and vendors will not be allowed to display the new uniform in their outlets,” said Mr Ahmed.

Different uniforms

According to a press release, the uniform will initially be introduced in five units of the Sindh police: traffic police, CIA, Anti-riot Reserve Platoons, Forensic Division and Central Police Office.

Four uniforms per person per annum will be allowed in the next financial year.

Police uniforms displayed at the Central Police Office for the traffic police officers include white shirt, navy blue pants and navy blue cap.

Similarly, uniforms of officers of the CPO and other police units will consist of dark blue shirt, navy blue pants and navy blue cap.

The uniform of constables and head constables will include dark blue half sleeves shirt, navy blue pants and navy blue cap. The belt width has also been reduced to two inches.

“It will increase the morale of the police officials having the same quality of uniforms in all ranks,” said the statement.

“New uniforms will be factory stitched on international standards; they will be comfortable and weather friendly.”

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2019