LAHORE : Out of 511 elite police force cops deputed for VVIPs and VIPs, 455 are on duty for providing security to the elitist politicians of all shades, and their families, whereas 33 costly EPH vehicles are plying on roads accompanying the present and past rulers and their kith and kin.As per sources, this figure minuses other senior and junior cops from the police deputed at their residences – also meant for controlling law and order situation – while their number keeps on changing depending upon the ‘need for security’ and movement in any particular area. Secondly, figures of elite cops also fluctuate from time to time as per ‘requirement’ and ‘security threat’ to the ‘chosen’ heads and their families.
Moreover, 2,100 cops are ‘duty bound’ for standing on routes of President, Prime Minister and Chief Minister.Documents available with TheNation depict that in one year, 900 Elite cops are picked up for training, and out of them only 500 to 600 qualify, whereas the expenditure on their training and equipments, that is, arms and ammunition, bullet-proof jackets, vehicles for the elite team, and other miscellaneous items, cost the exchequer Rs 350 million.
Across the province in all districts, and four police constabularies 5832 elite force men have been deployed. The provincial metropolis has the highest number of elite cops, that is, 962, but only 451 – including guys on leave – have been ‘spared’ for guarding sensitive buildings, political offices and protecting the masses, which means that 64 per cent are protecting the elite of this society. Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and his immediate family have 171 cops and eight vehicles, which are the highest figures in comparison to the families of Premier Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Chaudharys, who are having 88 and 74 escorts respectively besides each has been provided with seven vehicles – Nation
