ISLAMABAD- A plan to relocate the headquarters of the Frontier Reserve Police (FRP) to the rural area of Meera Kachuri in Peshawar have stirred controversy and raised concerns among law enforcement officials.
Meera Kachuri falls under the influence of Raheem, a key commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan TTP, sparking apprehensions about the safety of the proposed site. Currently situated in Police Line Peshawar, FRP headquarters also accommodates the office of the Counter-Terrorism Force, emphasizing its strategic importance in combating terrorism and maintaining public safety. The proposed relocation aims to enhance interrogation capabilities for arrested or abducted individuals, yet faces staunch opposition from former FRP commandant Tahir Ayub… Tahir’s refusal to vacate the building underscores fears that relocating to an unsafe area could expose the force to heightened security risks.
Despite Tahir Ayub’s transfer to the Hazara range, no successor has been appointed, fueling speculation that the relocation plans are being expedited to circumvent objections from senior officers. Complicating matters further, the designated building in Meera Kachuri, initially intended for the Counter-Terrorism department, faces resistance from the department, resulting in its allocation to FRP. This move is expected to alleviate the Counter-Terrorism Police’s shortage of lock-up space and barracks rooms in Police Line Peshawar, providing additional facilities for the accommodation and interrogation of suspects. However, concerns persist within FRP ranks regarding the safety of deploying inexperienced recruits to a volatile area. With limited combat experience, FRP primarily handles public processions and routine patrols, raising fears that the relocation could expose personnel to significant risks.
As deliberations continue, the decision to relocate FRP headquarters remains a contentious issue, balancing the imperative for enhanced interrogation capabilities with the paramount concern for the safety and security of law enforcement personnel. A senior police officer stated that it is pointless to keep FRP Headquarter where it is currently located. Both the CTD and FRP should be relocated to Meera Kachuri. What’s the point of staying hidden in the police line?? The department has invested significant funds.These forces are meant to control the Taliban, not to fear them. Currently, they merely sit in the police line, indulge in corruption, and plot conspiracies. By relocating the headquarters of both forces to Meera Kachuri, the area will be under control, ensuring the city’s security and establishing peace.