ISLAMABAD: A new security protocol has been launched in the trails of Margalla Hills under which foot, motorcycle and mounted patrolling will ensure safety of the visitors.

Inaugurating the Margalla Trails Patrol Unit on Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the unit had been formed to protect people on the trails. The foot, motorcycle and mounted patrolling unit has 60 officials.

The foot patrolling teams, comprising 10 officials, are equipped with protective gears and kits. The motorcycle patrolling unit comprises 16 officials and six motorcycles while the mounted patrolling team has eight horses, he said.

The minister also inspected the motorcycles and cavalry units and said the purpose of setting up the unit was to provide safe environment to the citizens visiting the trails. These patrolling officers will also rescue citizens losing their way or seeking help in an emergency, Mr Naqvi added. He expressed the hope that after making the six trails secure, the number of foreign and local visitors to the trails will increase.

The minister also directed for steps to solve the issue of poor mobile phone signals on the trails and said installation of a mobile tower should also be reviewed. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rivi briefed the minister about the new security measures.

The minister said it had been decided to establish a new force for the security of Chinese nationals in Islamabad. He said Punjab had a special protection unit, comprising 10,000 officials, for the security of 3,000 Chinese while Islamabad had a few men for 7,000 Chinese nationals.

We have to make 100 percent security for all foreigners, including Chinese in Islamabad, he added.

The minister said efforts were in progress to ensure 100pc registration of FIRs in every police station in Islamabad. The condition of police stations will also be improved, he added.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2024