PESHAWAR, June 28:  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Mohammad Akbar Khan Hoti has said as the Elite Force is specially trained for promptly striking a target, it cannot be used as guards to VIPs.

He said the police department had demanded additional 5,000 personnel from the government, but only 350 personnel were provided, which was insufficient to the deal with the prevailing situation.

The IGP expressed these views while speaking at the passing out parade of the 8th Basic Elite Course of the Elite Force as chief guest at Azad Kashmir Regiment Centre, Manser Attock on Thursday. A total of 462 jawans participated in the course.

He said the Elite Force was ‘punching force’ to reach a particular spot for restoration of order and was not meant to do the duties of security guards with VIPs.

The IGP said Elite Force was the backbone of the police force and its jawans had set glorious traditions of professional commitment and devotion to duty for the internal security of the country.

The police chief informed that the Elite Force jawans had proved their mettle against terrorists and saboteurs in a short span of time since its establishment. He said the jawans had rendered unprecedented sacrifices to prevent terrorist activities and maintain law and order in the province.

The IGP directed the newly trained jawans to keep aloof the golden tradition of the force.

Earlier, Commandant of the Elite Force Tariq Javed, while presenting the welcome address, said the personnel were given training in operating heavy weapons, repelling, sniper firing, judo karate, VIP protection and mountain craft.

Constable Mudassar Shah of Peshawar was declared best all-round cadet of the course while Syed Wajid Shah of Battagram stood 2nd and Iftikhar Ahmad of Mansehra 3rd in all round activities.

The KP police chief decorated the jawans with special badges. The IGP also presented special police shield to the chief instructor SSG and his team. He also gave certificates to the Elite Force instructors.—Bureau Report