ISLAMABAD: The 111 Brigade of 10 Corps Rawalpindi has started imparting training to the capital police to enhance their ability to tackle any threat of terrorism.

Since their induction in the force, the personnel of the capital police had not undergone any additional training in firing and shooting.

Besides, the anti-terrorism squad also got training on combating terrorism in early stages of its establishment.

Since there were no refresher or practice sessions on firing, shooting and combating, the policemen’s skill to handle different weapons continued diminishing.

300 police officials from Islamabad taking part in drill sessions

Officials in the police told Dawn on Saturday that the capital police did not have enough budget to arrange such training sessions. They said about 85 per cent of the police budget was spent on the salaries while 10 per cent was reserved for VVIP and VIP security and protocol duties.

And the remaining meagre amount is used to run the police stations and headquarters, the officials said. Under such circumstances, arranging training and practice sessions is not possible as besides other resources it also needed weapons and bullets.

After arrival of two companies from the 111 Brigade in Islamabad, 300 policemen were selected from different police stations. As many as 20 striking teams of the policemen and the army personnel have been formed who are taking part in the training.

However, the army officials were not satisfied with the policemen’s handling of weapons and shooting skills. The officials said the army was also providing combat training to the policemen. After being trained, the policemen will be able to take part in combat actions against any terror activity along with the army personnel.

It may be noted that only the personnel of the Anti-Terrorism Squad are given combat training in the capital city.

Keeping in view the prevailing security situation, Corps Commander Rawalpindi Lt-Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had offered the capital police that 111 Brigade would train the police personnel to polish their skills of shooting and combating terrorists.

The training started at a camp inside the capital city where 300 policemen were taking part in a group of 50 personnel each, they said. The policemen were being trained on how to handle weapons such as G-3, SMG and 9mm.

Besides, each official was also being given 30 rounds of a weapon for practice, the officials said, adding the exercise would continue till all the groups complete their training.

The recourses and funds for the training of the policemen are being provided by the army.

In the meantime, the police have also approached the interior ministry for the provision of funds to arrange training sessions for the anti-terrorism squad personnel.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2014