The first passing-out parade of the Federal Constabulary's Special Protection Wing and Anti-Riot Wing has been held at the force's training centre in Shabqadar, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attending as chief guest.

Reports put the passing-out strength at 983 personnel, including 35 women, drawn from all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The contingents performed a march-past and presented a salute to the interior minister, who also watched practical demonstrations of the training undertaken by the new wings, according to Radio Pakistan.

Mr Naqvi praised the personnel for their professional skills and comprehensive training, and distributed awards to those who performed best during the course. The Islamabad Post reported him saying the Federal Constabulary remains at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.

The two wings were set up under the Interior Ministry to handle high-risk security duties and public-order work. The Special Protection Wing is being developed to provide security for foreign state guests and dignitaries visiting Pakistan, while the Anti-Riot Wing is trained in crowd control, the protection of sensitive locations and handling violent situations.

The force was formerly known as the Frontier Constabulary and was renamed the Federal Constabulary by the government in July this year. The interior minister has said the force is being modernised with improved training, equipment and facilities, including foreign trainers for the Special Protection Wing and advanced courses abroad for selected officers.