ISLAMABAD: The capital police have sought the services of two army majors and 16 Special Services Group (SSG) commandos to train personnel of the newly formed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) force, Dawn has learnt.

In this regard, a written request was sent from the office of the inspector general of police (IGP), Islamabad, to the office of the chief commissioner, Islamabad.

The letter, signed by the deputy inspector general of police (Headquarters), sought the requisition of the services of two majors and 16 serving SSG-trained officials on a secondment basis for the capital police.

The letter stated that the Islamabad police are performing multifaceted duties, including maintenance of law and order, crime fighting and prevention and ensuring security and route duties.

Request sent for services of two majors and 16 SSG commandos on secondment

It further requested that the concerned quarters be approached to place the services of two majors and 16 serving SSG-trained officials of the Pakistan Army at the disposal of the capital police against existing vacant posts. Out of the 16 SSG-trained personnel, 10 will be attached to the National Police Academy (NPA), Islamabad.

The letter added that the matter may be accorded top priority.

A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the chief commissioner’s office forwarded the request to the Interior Ministry, from where it was being sent to the concerned army authorities.

The officer said the SWAT force had been established in the capital police with a manpower of over 200 personnel and was most likely to operate under the command and supervision of the senior superintendent of police, Counter Terrorism Department.

SWAT training for the personnel started about a month ago at the Police Lines Headquarters. A team from the army is currently providing training to the force.

The requisition for the two majors and SSG personnel was made to formalise and officialise the arrangement.

Out of the total, the two majors and six SSG personnel will be placed on secondment at the disposal of the police for training the SWAT force, while the remaining personnel will be posted at the NPA to train under-training assistant superintendents of police (ASPs).

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026