APROPOS the letter in Eos (March 17). Sindh Police acknowledge the fact that untimely and shocking deaths of Amal and Dr Nimra in Karachi exposed several systemic flaws in the police’s response mechanisms. Sindh Police fully understand and share the shock and grief that the parents suffered.

Sindh Police have already conceded these flaws at various forums and also resolved to remove them in order to prevent such avoidable incidents in the future. The Sindh Police are already on the path of reforms, including the implementation of procedures and SOPs to avert such tragedies

The police leadership has embarked on many landmark initiatives which include regular deliberations within the organisation as well as with all stakeholders to continuously improve overall working of police; training manuals have been revised, especially in training institutions, and weapons training simulators have been installed at all training institutions for better training and understanding of harsh situations.

Nearly 6,000 police officers and ranks have gone through revised weapon modules and trainings.

We all must appreciate the fact that policing in a big city is always challenging, especially in a mega city like Karachi. The demography, the haphazard growth, the ethnic and religious diversity and most importantly the absence of an adequate technology-based security infrastructure like Safe City Project, which could help in identification and detection of criminals, have made it more challenging for the police.

For quite some time Karachi has been known for target killings, kidnappings for ransom, terrorism and the killing of police personnel. However, police and other law enforcement agencies, despite limitations, have made it a relatively peaceful city. Currently, Karachi is not listed in the top 60 ‘most dangerous cities of the world’.

By a modest estimate, Sindh Police lost more than 2,500 officers besides thousand maimed, in the line of duty.

Karachi Police Spokesman

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2019