Rawalpindi District Court. PHOTO: FILE
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 service, the images of 9 are non-functional and only 7 are partially functioning, producing unusable images in the dark.
Four gates at the main entrances have been inoperative for more than 18 months, while the metal detectors are also completely defective.
Police pickets on the roofs were dismantled and officers deployed to provide court security were reassigned to the cricket stadiums due to the ongoing matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, 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 plainclothes intelligence officers.
The district administration said guidelines have been issued to immediately upgrade the system, repair all cameras and install new passage gates, adding that more surveillance cameras would also be installed around the premises.
Dozens of police officers absent from their VVIP duties
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.
