Syed Kazmi

Special Security Unit (SSU), Sindh Police

The Special Security Unit (SSU) is one of the specialized units of the Sindh Police with its distinctive operational characteristics i.e. it performs security and counter-terrorism functions simultaneously yet with remarkable precision, accuracy and professionalism. On 18-10-2010, materializing the vision of the then President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, the SSU came into existence as a specialized security unit. SSU started with the mandate of providing security to Important Personalities and Vital Installations. However, with increasing challenges and risks to peace and Important Personalities and vital installation's security, the role of the SSU has been growing to accommodate the arising security and counter-terrorism needs of Sindh Police. The SSU has recently been certified in Quality Management Systems under ISO9001:2008. After the certification, the SSU has become the first and the only ISO certified and UKAS accredited police unit in Pakistan which makes it a role model for provincial police departments and other federal and local law enforcing agencies. The SSU has pioneered in introducing first ever Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Pakistan. The current SSU SWAT team comprises 50 specialized police personnel (commandos) with highly refined operational skills raised with the purpose to support and complement efforts of regular police in all peace threatening and life-threatening. The Unit maintains strict set of standards for induction in the SSU, be it selection of serving police personnel or recruitment of fresh candidates. The screening of candidates through National Testing System (NTS) is one of such examples that the SSU has also pioneered to uphold merit and transparency. Serving with the motto "PROUD TO PROTECT", the SSU has become a role model for specialized units particularly those tasked with the security and counter-terrorism responsibilities.