The Dolphin Force has increasingly been engaged in security duties despite receiving a budget of Rs2.4181 billion, raising concerns about its ability to perform its primary role to check the street crime, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to available details, the Force was allocated Rs2.41 billion for the current financial year. However, a significant number of Dolphin Force personnel continue to be deployed on security assignments instead of conducting anti-street crime operations across Lahore.
The Force, which has 3,451 sanctioned positions, is also facing operational challenges. Nearly 600 motorcycles used by Dolphin Force have completed their service life, but replacement vehicles have yet to be provided. As a result, the operational fleet has become outdated, affecting the Force's field mobility and response capability.
Budget documents show that around Rs626.3 million has been allocated for basic salaries and allowances.
However, despite the substantial overall budget, the force has not received new motorcycles or other essential operational resources needed to improve its performance.
Officials say the continued deployment of Dolphin Force personnel on security duties has reduced its presence on city roads, limiting its effectiveness in responding quickly to incidents of street crime.
The reduced availability of the Dolphin Force has also increased pressure on the district police. To compensate for the shortage of patrol coverage, district police have started setting up additional checkpoints across the city as part of efforts to maintain law and order.
The situation has raised questions about whether the force's current deployment aligns with its original purpose of providing a dedicated and rapid response to street crime, despite the allocation of billions of rupees in public funds.
Report: Irfan Malik