New federal anti-riot unit on cards

Raised as a Wing of the Frontier Constabulary, the new unit will bolster the authorities’ mob control capabilities. By Muhammad Ali.

ISLAMABAD: The authorities are looking to raise a new 2,000-strong anti-riot unit within the Frontier Constabulary with a view to bolstering the federal government’s capability to deal with unruly mobs, Independent Pakistan can report.

Although the move comes at a time when former prime minister Imran Khan is on his way to Islamabad at the head of hundreds of his diehard supporters, it may take at least an year to come to fruition.

The Finance Division has in principle given its assent to fork out the about the PKR 668 million requisitioned for this purpose, albeit over two years. The sanctioned resources will be utilised for the purchase of anti-riot equipment, tear gas and other relevant stores.

The Frontier Constabulary is a civilian paramilitary force under the administrative control of the Ministry of Interior instituted through the North West Frontier Constabulary Act, of 1915. It is chiefly preoccupied with the provision of security to sensitive installation in the country, including project sites and buildings constructed under the CPEC project.

In addition, the force is frequently deployed on internal security duties in provinces and ICT. On the direction of the federal government, any provincial home department/ICI Administration utilises the services of Frontier Constabulary for mob control and anti-riot activities in different events for the maintenance of peace and public order.

However, the force is not equipped with the required anti-riot gear and training, a circumstance that hampers its operational capacity.

Therefore, the Frontier Constabulary headquarters has requested for establishment of its own Anti-Riot Unit comprising of 2,000 personnel from within sanctioned strength. The financial implication of the move tally to PKR. 667.830 million, to be used for purchase of anti-riot equipment, tear gases and ancillary items.

The case was taken up with Finance Division for provision of the requisite funds. Finance Division agreed to the proposal of Mol and but asked the Ministry to split the amount in two tranches, one to be appropriated in the current fiscal (2022-23) and the second in the next fiscal year (202324).

The authorities are now seeking approval of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet for a grant of PKR. 333.915 million in FY 2022-23 and the remaining PKR. 333.915 million in FY 2023-24 through a technical supplementary grant to enable the establishment of the purported anti-riot unit comprising 2,000 personnel within the FC.