Islamabad: The federal police will use drone cameras to ensure security of tourists, hikers, trekkers and the general public that visits various hiking trails and scenic points of the Margalla Hills, particularly during the weekend. Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) is the world’s third largest national park with an area of 17,386 hectares (42,960 acres) or 173.9 sq.km and its trails are popular with the hikers, foreigners and the members of the diplomatic corps.
Deep inside, its thick forests have wild animals. Earlier this year, during the lockdown days, leopards were spotted roaming at the edge of the hills.
Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jamilur Rehman in an interaction with media persons during a visit to the trails of Margalla Hills said besides drones, special forces will be deployed in collaboration with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) to provide security and guidance to visitors.
The force will also help trace trekkers who sometimes lose their track inside the hills. “By using drone cameras will ensure their safe return,” he said.
SSP (Operations) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanweer said since a large number of women hikers also visited these hills, lady policemen would also be deployed for their guidance. This is the latest citizen-friendly initiative to be taken by the Islamabad police. Earlier, the force launched a number of initiatives to curb street crime and violence against women.
Gender Protection Unit
The third but the most important initiative launched recently by the Islamabad police is establishment of Gender Protection Unit, first of its kind, to respond to the victims of the gender-based violence or crime.
ASP Amna Baig, a young woman police officer, has been put in charge of the unit that receives complaints 24/7 at 8090. A well-trained woman police staff is deployed at the desk.
Besides, a psychiatrist and medical staff are also present to provide legal assistance, medical help or psychological guidance to the affected women or children.
Cycle Patrolling Unit
Earlier, under its urban police initiative a ‘Cycle Patrolling Unit’ was launched by the Islamabad police to curb the street crimes and incidents like mobile phone snatching, harassment of women etc.
The bicycling police patrolling unit — 8 men and 2 women cops — is deployed in areas where big cars or motorbikes cannot easily access and the well-trained male and female members of the unit do surveillance of markets, parks, jogging tracks & trails, streets and places.
