Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed in Rawalpindi district courts, 61 are out of service and seven are partially functioning
Despite growing terror threats in the twin cities, the district courts of Rawalpindi, one of the busiest areas of the city, have become a major security risk due to the collapse of the surveillance and security system.
Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed in the premises, 61 are out of order, footage from nine is non-functional and only seven are partially functioning, recording dark images and videos in darkness or night mode. Four gates at the main entrances have been inoperative for more than 18 months, while the metal detectors are also completely defective.
Rooftop police pickets were dismantled and officers deployed to provide court security were reassigned to cricket stadiums for Pakistan-Sri Lanka matches, making the complex even more vulnerable.
With only three official security teams and a deficit of 50 people, security gaps remain critical. Around 30,000 to 35,000 people visit the complex daily for court hearings, affidavits, property registration and official documents.
District Bar President Sardar Manzar Bashir confirmed that a report on security system malfunctions had been submitted to the deputy commissioner, demanding urgent repairs, installation of new gates and deployment of intelligence officers to the civil army.
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The district administration said that guidelines have been issued to immediately upgrade the system, repair all cameras and install new passage gates, adding that more surveillance cameras will also be installed around the premises.
Meanwhile, a major security lapse has emerged in the federal capital as 76 officers and personnel of the operational wing of Islamabad Police were found absent without notice from their VVIP security duties during the international speakers’ conference and visits of foreign cricket teams.
SSP Security Division Captain (retd.) Zeeshan Haider termed the situation very alarming and sent letters to higher authorities, recommending strict departmental action, including dismissal of the negligent officials.
According to sources, during security inspections of VVIP delegations on November 10, a total of 67 officials were reported missing, while from November 7 to 9, nine other officers, including an ASI, were absent from security points assigned to guard foreign teams.
In his official communication to the IGP, DIG and other senior officials, SSP Haider warned that such absenteeism could have led to a serious security breach. He recommended that those found guilty of gross negligence and dereliction of duty should be given a heavy penalty of dismissal, to set an example for others.
