PM hands over 50 EVs to Islamabad police under ‘green policing’ initiative

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday handed over 50 electric vehicles to Islamabad police as part of efforts to modernise policing, improve security and promote environmentally friendly operations in the capital.

Sharif handed the keys to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi at a ceremony in Islamabad.

“Protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s top priority,” Sharif said, adding that the government was providing Islamabad Police with resources to bring its policing system in line with modern requirements.

He said Islamabad police should serve as a model for other cities and be equipped with modern technology, equipment and other resources to provide a secure environment for residents.

The 50 electric vehicles will be used by a newly established Capital Patrol force, which has been formed under the government’s vision of a “safe, smart and green capital”, officials told the prime minister.

The force will comprise 200 police personnel, with each patrol unit consisting of one male and one female police officer.

Motorcycle-mounted officers will also be deployed to ensure rapid response and effective patrolling across different areas, according to a briefing given to the prime minister.

All Capital Patrol personnel will be equipped with body cameras to improve transparency, monitoring and accountability in policing, officials said.

The government estimates that the electric vehicles will save around Rs34 million a month in fuel costs, while the cost of each vehicle would be recovered through fuel savings in about 10.5 months.

The vehicles are part of measures to promote “green policing” and reduce fuel consumption, while the use of modern technology is expected to improve police efficiency and services provided to citizens, the prime minister’s office said.

Sharif praised Naqvi and Islamabad police for their efforts to modernise policing and directed officials to take further steps to strengthen the capital’s policing system through the use of technology.