LAHORE - Lahore police commandos on Monday carried out a mock exercise to demonstrate skills and preparedness to meet any emergency situation after intelligence reports suggested militants were plotting terror assaults in the provincial metropolis.
A police spokesman told reporters that the exercise was carried out to enhance operational preparedness of the Quick Response Force (QRF) to tackle the situation in case of any untoward happening.
Sources revealed that the exercise was planned on intelligence inputs indicating possible terror assaults by militants to target key government installations since the country is confronting a new spate of violence amid perplexed peace talks.
The rehearsal was conducted on Monday morning in the premises of Police Lines Qila Gujjar, where commandos demonstrated their skills under a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP).
Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Chaudhry Shafique Ahmed was the chief guest of the event while DIG (Operation) Rana Abdul Jabbar, DIG (Investigation) Zulfiqar Hameed, SP (Headquarters) Maroof Wahla and SP Security Ali Sulman were also present on the occasion.
The audience’s applause was tumultuous and tremendous as the cops demonstrated their skills by responding to a mock terror assault by jumping over 7-feet high boundary walls to reach high-rise structures. The cops on motorcycles went through fire-rings besides walking on tight ropes to help evacuate victims trapped inside a building.
For this exercise, a call was made which maintained that some terrorists had entered the building. The newly-trained officers and commandos reached the spot within seven minutes, which is required time according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to launch counter-terror operation against militants.
Following the rehearsal, Lahore police chief Chaudhry Shafique Ahmed said that such rehearsals were essential to prepare for any emergency situation and to ensure security in the provincial capital amid emerging challenges.
The Lahore CCPO said that the Jawans of Quick Response Force are equipped with modern weapons and they are imparted best training.
He also appreciated the performance of commandoes, terming it as impressive and added that Lahore police commandos are ready to launch counter-terrorism operations against the terrorists, any where that needed.
He also underlined that the professional and physical training importance for the commandos and various training courses are being conducted for the QRF Jawans in this regard.
Under the present situation, a month-long training course has also been completed in which 261 police officials participated. They are imparted best training to cope with the terrorists and criminal elements, he said, adding, these trained jawans would be deployed on patrolling in the crime-prone areas.
Earlier while addressing the passing-out parade of Quick Response Force, the police chief hoped that the training would help improve the professional skills of this police force. These commandos have been trained by international experts and experienced instructors. The CCPO also appreciated the level of efficiency and professionalism of the police officials as well as their hard work and commitment.
“This is a proof that the QRF personnel are capable of dealing with any emergency situation. The Lahore police are ready to confront any eventuality to thwart the nefarious designs of the anti-state elements,” the police chief added.
Meanwhile, the CCPO handed over 50 new motorcycles and uniforms to patrolling officers. He also presented shields, cash prizes, and commendatory certificates to the police jawans who showed outstanding performance during the training.