CM okays Special Branch modernisation

LAHORE
CHIEF Minister Shahbaz Sharif has approved the implementation of a comprehensive plan for modernising Special Branch and said that its human resource and technical wings will be activated.
He was presiding over a meeting here Tuesday, which reviewed overall law and order, security arrangements, implementation of National Action Plan against terrorism, reorganisation of Special Branch, setting up of Special Protection Force as well as steps taken for benefitting from information technology for improving intelligence system.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said solid steps were being taken for the protection of life and property of citizens and all departments concerned were working with close coordination for the implementation of National Action Plan. He said there was no room for terrorists in Pakistan and the promise to give a safe and peaceful country to the future generations would be fulfilled at any cost. He approved the implementation of a comprehensive plan for modernising Special Branch and said its human resource and technical wings would be activated. He directed the process of reorganisation of Special Branch be accelerated and short and medium-term strategies be devised for this purpose. Giving approval to new recruitments in Special Branch, he said a special package of incentives would be given to officers and staff of the Special Branch on the basis of their efficiency.
He directed that the performance-based special incentives package be given a final shape and recommendations be presented within 10 days. He directed that due attention should be paid to the training of the officers and staff of the Special Branch for their capacity-building and refresher courses be arranged for this purpose. The meeting decided that the newly recruited officers and personnel of Special Branch would not be transferred to any other place.
He directed that proper attention should be paid to improvement of research development wing and technical intelligence of Special Branch. He said intelligence school would be harmonised with the modern demands. He said Special Protection Force was being constituted for the safety of foreign nationals and directed that the process of new recruitment to the Special Protection Force in a transparent manner be completed rapidly. He issued instructions for improving security arrangements at important places throughout the province and said there was a need for hard work and commitment for foiling the nefarious designs of the enemies of the country. He said a watchful eye should be kept on anti-social elements. He said Punjab Information Technology Board had evolved crime intelligence system which would help in keeping a vigilant eye and curbing anti-social elements through the use of modern technology.
The chief minister congratulated the Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board on evolving crime intelligence system and lauded his efficiency.