Shaheer Ahmed
Pakistan sees an influx of tourists visiting the country every year. Not only this, but Pakistanis also travel to the northern areas of the country during their vacation. Now imagine when tourists from abroad and all over Pakistan gather in one place, what do you expect? Do you really think the party could continue with no problems? Although it would be an ideal situation, but no! things can get messy. Just like what happened in Murree on January 8th, 2022. Thinking of that horrifying incident still gives us nightmares. That day Pakistan lost many innocent lives because of the incompetence of the management to control the situation. To prevent such incidents, they have launched the Tourism police in Murree.
Inauguration of Tourism police in Murree
The inauguration of the tourism police took place at Lower Topa by CPO Rawalpindi Omar Saeed Malik and Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, the RPO Rawalpindi. Bar officials, civil society persons, officers of local administration, media persons, and police officers attended the inauguration ceremony. They also gave certificates of appreciation to SHOs of Pahuguari, Murree, Patriata, and to SP Kohsar Haider Ali for establishing the tourist force.
Initially, the police will be deployed in areas of Murree where there is heavy traffic and where problems are caused because of the snowfall. This is a pilot project. In the first phase, the tourism police will secure Murree. Later, police will be deployed in areas of Kotli Sattian.
Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi said “Following the success of the pilot project, they will also launch tourism police in other tourist destinations of Punjab such as Katas Raj, Nankana, and Fort Monroe.”
Initially, Murree Tourism police comprised 150 police officers, 3 tourists van, 3 specifically prepared vehicles, a horse riding squad, and 25 motorcycles. Seems like they fully prepared the tourism police to deal with many situations.
They also launched this initiative to boost the eco-system of tourism in the country. When areas will be secured, keeping tourist protection a priority will automatically attract more people to visit the country. They will enjoy their trip in a secure, safe, and protected environment.
Regarding the operation of the tourism police, the CPO Rawalpindi ensured that the force will work to facilitate the tourists.
CPO Rawalpindi Omar Saeed Malik said, “A campaign will also be launched for awareness and guidance of tourists. Implementation of the SOPs will be ensured in all cases to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during holidays.”
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They have also set an emergency helpline up. Tourists can call on 1757 to seek help from the tourism police. This initiative is one step forward to implementing Murree’s Safe City infrastructure.
Just like in Murree, we hope the tourism police and other such forces are deployed in Pakistan to make the overall security situation of the country better.
