Training of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Officers on Terrorism Investigation, Peshawar

5 Oct 2019, Peshawar.Under its PACT project, UNODC in collaboration with the European Union has initiated a Training Programme for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police Officers on Terrorism Investigation. This initiative was taken in pursuance of the improved capacity of KP's Police Department in tackling terrorism investigation, and was held in Peshawar from 30 September till 4 October 2019. The purpose of these training rollouts is to further capacitate police officers through the inculcation of thoroughly developed tools, techniques, and methodology. Altogether 30 KP police officers are being trained under this initiative, with the specific objective to equip them with advanced terrorism investigation skills. With this backdrop, twelve specialized modules have been developed wherein each is a stand-alone course book for further reference to international and national best practices. 

The formal launch of the training programme on 30 September was initiated with a two-day orientation session for the trainers: to facilitate their identification and preparation of teaching methods, roles, and responsibilities as trainers, as well as to improve their techniques of presentation and communication. Col (R) Ghulam Abbas inaugurated the session by welcoming the participants, following which he delivered a lecture on 'Systematic Approach to Training'. A subsequent session on 'Preparation and Teaching Methods' was delivered by Mr Fasihuddin, DIG and Commandant Police Training College Hangu. Professor Dr Dilawar, University of Peshawar, took over the podium for the remaining day and delivered a comprehensive and thorough paper on the roles and responsibilities of trainers. These sessions were deemed essential in highlighting the essential qualities required by a trainer.

The second day of orientation went a step further in grooming the trainers as Mr Akhtar Ali Shah, Senior Consultant Police, delivered a lecture on terrorism and counter terrorism in which he highlighted current trends and effective counter terrorism mechanisms in practice. He stressed that terrorism dynamics change as security and counter dynamics improve. The second session was led by Dr Shakeel, Assistant Professor Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, in which he emphasized the importance of improving the presentation and communication skills of a trainer; and shared various methodologies for making communication effective and efficient. Dr Dilawar continued with a lecture on 'Education Environment', where he noted that traditional educational and learning experiences were now being overtaken by advanced digital and virtual methodologies: hence enhancing the effectiveness of the entire learning process. The last session of the day was conducted by Dr Imran, Lecturer Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar, who further emphasized the significance of tools, techniques, and methodology in improving presentation skills for effective communication between trainer and participants.

The third day formally started the training of trainers on the individual chapter of the first module 'Background to Terrorism & Legal Framework'. A pre-course assessment was conducted to assess the current knowledge levels of the participants. Mr Tariq Iqbal, SP and Director Police School of Investigation, delivered the first lecture on Terrorism and its Types: a thorough review with examples, for better and in-depth understanding of the topic. Mr Akhtar Nasir, Inspector, gave a presentation on 'Contributing Factors in Terrorism: Local and Internal Perspectives' in which he stressed the changing tactics and dynamics of terrorism. Later in the day Mr Mir Qasim, former SSP deliberated on 'Organizations Proscribed by the United Nations and FATF'; whereas the day's last lecture on 'Major Terrorist Attacks/Incidents since 2007' was given by Mr Allama Iqbal, DSP, in which he briefed the participants on the types of attacks and the major organizations behind them.

On the fourth day Mr Sikandar Sahibzada, retired Deputy Public Prosecutor, took the lead in presenting the 'Actus Rea and Mens Rea of Terrorism' as well as 'Jurisprudence on the Application of Section 6 of the ATA' wherein he illuminated the legal aspects associated with criminal proceedings. Mr Mir Qasim delivered a presentation on the following chapter, 'The Anti-Terrorism Act as a Special Law, Criminalizing Terrorism, and Procedural Aspects of ATA 1997'. Mr Nawab Khan, Inspector, concluded the day with his lecture on 'Extraordinary Powers Granted under ATA 1997'.

On the fifth day, Mr Nawab Khan continued with the chapter presentations, and gave a lecture on 'Pakistan Penal Code 1860 ("PPC"), & Criminal Procedure Code 1898 ("CRPC") as Procedural Law'. Mr Sikandar Sahibzada spoke on the legal aspects of 'Qanoon-E-Shahadat Order 1984 ("QSO") as Law of Evidence in Terrorism and Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016'. Mr Tariq Iqbal and Mr Farooq Zaman, Inspector, deliberated on chapters entitled 'Investigation for Fair Trial Act 2013 (IFTA) and Anti-Money Laundering Act' respectively, concluding with a group discussion.

On the last day of the first module discussion, the trainers gave presentations on the last few chapters of the module. Mr Mir Qasim commenced proceedings with his presentation on 'Methodology of Terrorism Investigations' in which he deliberated on various investigation techniques. Following this Mr Fasihuddin addressed participants on 'Global Counter Terrorism Strategies', examining best practices and models adopted worldwide. A thorough session on 'Ways to Lodge an FIR; Investigation and Evidence Collection; Recording of Statement before Magistrate and Challan' was conducted by Mr Akhtar Nasir. This was followed by a lecture on 'Summoning and Recording of Witness Statements: Arrest and Remand' by Mr Farooq Zaman. Later Mr Bakht Munir, Sub Inspector, concluded the first module presentations with his paper on 'Search, Seizure, and Production before Magistrate' and moderation of group discussion. The detailed presentations by the trainers helped the panel evaluate their own grasp and command of the subject's technical and theoretical aspects. Each day began with a 'reflections on learning' session, to address any questions raised by the participants. Overall both participants and trainers rated these training sessions as extremely beneficial in adding value to their existing knowledge and enhancing their capacities.