Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 13 Aug 2020

UNDP

PRESS RELEASE

UNDP protects frontline officers in Balochistan against the Covid-19 pandemic

August 13, 2020, Quetta— While various sectors of governance have worked remotely earlier during the pandemic or managed to maintain social and physical distancing, doing so is particularly challenging for police officers as they are often brought into close proximity with citizens. This makes it even more important for them to have the appropriate protective equipment and gear to guard themselves as they perform their duties. In order to facilitate them, United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) donated PPEs to the Balochistan Police at a ceremony held at the Central Police Office, Quetta today.

During the ceremony, Head of UNDP Sub-office Quetta Mr. Zulfiqar Durrani presented washable and reusable PPEs, protective goggles  masks including N95 and KN95, hand sanitisers, and gloves, to the Balochistan Police.

At the occasion, Mr. Zulfiqar Durrani stressed on the significance of protection for police. “The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the challenges Pakistani police face and has also shown their role during a health emergency and crisis, marking a need to develop strategies of how police can play a more effective role in unprecedented situations like these”, he said.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, Head Balochistan Command and Operation Center (BCOC) Mr. Imran Gichki who is responsible for all Covid-19 related coordination in Balochistan applauded UNDP’s efforts. “UNDP’s support for Balochistan police will not only ensure their health and safety but will also enable them to play a crucial role in violence prevention, protection of citizens and additional support to healthcare workers during the pandemic”, he added.

Inspector General of Police Balochistan Mr. Mohsin Butt thanked UNDP for the support and showed commitment towards working together for stronger a rule of law in Balochistan. He also appreciated UNDP’s support to the expansion of Police Training College Quetta with the support of Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

“The nature of job puts police officials at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19. Therefore, we highly appreciate UNDP for this PPE that will protect Balochistan police and play an incremental role in ensuring their safety and well-being as they perform their duties. This support is extremely helpful particularly because the lockdown has been eased or lifted and duty spaces are being crowded once again”, he mentioned.

UNDP staff and police officials from Balochistan Police attended the ceremony. This effort is one of the many ways in which UNDP is supporting police and rule of law in Balochistan.

 For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org  or +92 (51) 835 5650