KARACHI, Dec 20: The Inspector General of Police, Sindh, Syed Kamal Shah, has said that recruitment against 4,000 vacant posts in the police department will begin in January 2002.

The government has lifted a six-year-old ban with immediate effect and allowed these recruitments, he said while speaking at a ‘Bara Khana’ and Eid Milan in District West on Wednesday night.

The IG said at present there were 4,500 vacant posts against which 4,000 policemen would be recruited.

He said these recruitments would be made in a transparent manner under the prescribed rules for merit. For this purpose committees consisting of area notables, Nazims and journalists would be formed to monitor the recruitment process.

The IG said clear instructions had been given to every DIG and SP in this regard.

He said these recruitments had followed the stuck-up promotions of police personnel and officials under the rules and on merit.

Syed Kamal Shah said out of 4,500 posts, 2,000 would be filled with policemen from Karachi and their training would begin in March 2002.

He said efforts were being made to cleanse society of illegal arms. “It is a difficult task but not impossible,” he added.

The IG said as a result of police efforts, open display of arms had been controlled.

He paid compliments to the force and said the police had worked 16 hours a day during strikes and protests in September-October and then during Ramazan and Eid. It was because of their performance that the situation improved.

On the occasion, he announced a Eid bonus of Rs100 each for police and traffic personnel of District West.

The IG said the Madadgar Force “15” was being transformed into a model unit for service to people. The force besides helping the people would also help in solving problems like gas, electricity, water, fire brigade etc. It would operate as a central unit in every district.

Syed Kamal Shah said his foremost priorities were to end sectarian tension, dacoities, car-lifting, kidnapping for ransom, etc.—APP