Karachi Police Enhance Crowd Management Capabilities

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: In a significant move to bolster public safety, Inspector General of Police Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, chaired a review meeting aimed at enhancing the capacity and performance of the newly established Crowd Management Unit (CMU). The session, held at the Central Police Office, was attended by key officials, including the Additional IG Operations, DIGs from Headquarters, Establishment, Training, Rangers, and AIG Operations.

During the meeting, the DIG Rangers provided a comprehensive briefing on the CMU’s formation, objectives, and the pivotal role it plays in managing protests and large gatherings. Notably, before 2023, there was no dedicated force in Sindh to effectively handle such situations, underscoring the urgent need for this initiative.

Currently, the CMU is equipped with advanced tools, including water cannons, anti-riot gear, and mobile control devices. Units have been deployed strategically, with two stationed in Karachi, as well as units in Hyderabad and Sukkur. The police department is actively recruiting new personnel and procuring additional equipment to further enhance the unit's capacity.

The meeting emphasized the significance of selecting strategic locations for deployment, conducting daily training drills, and embracing modern training modules. Coordination with district SSPs will ensure that the CMU maintains a robust presence in Karachi’s high-risk areas and other sensitive zones.

IG Sindh highlighted the critical need for well-defined strategies for crowd control, focusing on the physical and mental fitness of personnel, while also ensuring adherence to international training standards. This commitment to professional development is poised to enhance the effectiveness of the CMU in managing public safety during large gatherings.