KARACHI: A ‘shooting simulator system’ was launched at the Police Training Centre in Saeedabad with the assistance of the US to increase police training capacity and operational readiness.

IGP Sindh Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, US Consul General in Karachi JoAnne Wagner and Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain Shah inaugurated it during the ceremony.

It was stated on this occasion that the US had provided Rs377 million ($2.7m) worth of firearm simulators to improve the capacity of the institution and increase its ability to deliver safe and proper firearms training facilities for police personnel.

The US government has collaborated with the Sindh police since 2012, providing more than $25m worth of equipment and helped train over 50,000 Sindh police officers.

At the ceremony, CG Wagner explained the reasons for the continued support, stating “the United States provides assistance to Sindh because we recognise that its police serve on the front lines of Pakistan’s efforts to combat violent extremism and build a more secure, stable, and democratic society.

“The US will continue to cooperate with Pakistan for creation of democratic and peaceful atmosphere,” said Ms Wagner.

Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said that credit for maintaining law and order went to the Sindh police.

Addressing the ceremony of 102nd passing-out parade of recruit course, the IG Sindh said that more than 2,500 police officials and personnel of Sindh police had embraced martyrdom and thousands were injured in the line of duty.

He asked the general public to highlight police weaknesses so that they may be corrected.

The IGP Sindh further said that projects like Safety City, forensic laboratory and others would soon be set up with the collaboration of the Sindh government, which would enhance investigation skills of police officials.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2018