KARACHI: In a bid to increase cooperation between the citizens of Karachi and law enforcement personnel, Sindh Rangers delivered a presentation of their professional skills at the Training Centre and School of Rangers near Toll Plaza Superhighway Karachi to NED University of Engineering and Technology students, a spokesman from the paramilitary force told Dawn.

Pakistan Rangers soldier (R) instructs a female student of NED University while others observe. — Reuters

Dubbing the activity a 'day with Rangers', the spokesman said the purpose was to give students appropriate self-defence training in event of an emergency — including the necessary safety measures that must be adopted.

According to DawnNews footage, students are seen to be using guns; however, the Rangers spokesman said they were merely being familiarised with firearms and declined to call the session a 'training in the use of weapons'.

"A mere 1-2 hour training cannot suffice for weapon handling," said the spokesperson, adding that the purpose behind the activity was to show students how Rangers operate on the field and ground.

Pakistan Rangers soldiers stand before taking their positions during a counter-terrorism training demonstration at the Rangers Shooting and Saddle Club. — Reuters

"By showing them our operations, we are also seeking to remove the negative perception prevalent among citizens regarding ineptitude of law enforcement personnel."

He said sessions with students from other universities would follow suit.

Speaking to Dawn, a NED University spokesman also said that the training session was aimed at acquainting students with the role of Rangers in society and their respective duties.

He said a total of 150-200 students partook in the training session.

Pakistan Rangers soldier (R) wearing camouflage displays a long range gun to students of NED University during a counter-terrorism training. — Reuters

"It was an awareness session on self-defence. No weapon training was provided; students were practising on laser guns," he said.

Last week, faculty members and students from various schools in Pakistan underwent 'emergency training' in the event of a terrorist attack occurring.

As part of the federal and provincial governments' extreme measures to provide security to educational institutions, staff members and students practised emergency drills, self-defence and weapons training, emergency medical assistance, handling of firearms with rescue officials and representatives of the civil defence force, bomb disposal squad (BDS) and security agencies.

Take a look: How to defuse a bomb, and other security training for Pakistani students

Last month, teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also given firearms training and were allowed to carry guns into the classroom in a bid to strengthen security following a Taliban massacre at Peshawar's Army Public School.

Read: Teachers get gun training after Peshawar massacre