Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed at Rawalpindi District Courts, 61 are out of order, seven are partially functional
Despite rising terror threats in the twin cities, Rawalpindi District Courts, one of the city’s busiest areas, has become a major security risk due to the collapsed surveillance and security system.
Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed in the premises, 61 are out of order, recordings from nine are non-functional and only seven are partially functional recording dark images and videos in dark or night mode. Four pass-through gates at the main entrances have been out of service for over 18 months, while metal detectors are also completely out of order.
Rooftop police cordons have been dismantled and officers deployed for court security have been redeployed to cricket stadiums for matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, leaving the complex even more vulnerable.
With only three official security guards and a shortfall of 50 staff, security remains critical. About 30,000 to 35,000 people visit the complex daily for court hearings, depositions, property registration and official documentation.
President of the District Bar Association, Sardar Manzar Bashir, confirmed that a report on the faulty security systems has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate repairs, installation of new gates and deployment of intelligence officers in the community.
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The district administration said directives have been issued to immediately upgrade the system, repair all cameras and install new access gates, adding that more surveillance cameras will also be installed around the premises.
Meanwhile, a major security breach has emerged in the federal capital as 76 officers and personnel of the Islamabad Police’s operational wing were found absent without notice from their VVIP security duties during the International Speakers Conference and the visit of foreign cricket teams.
SSP Security Division Captain (retd) Zeeshan Haider described the situation as extremely alarming and sent letters to senior authorities recommending strict departmental action including dismissal of negligent officials.
According to sources, during inspections of security arrangements for the VVIP delegations on November 10, a total of 67 officials were found missing, while from November 7 to 9, nine more officers, including an ASI, were absent from security posts assigned to guard duty for foreign teams.
In his official communication to the IGP, DIG and other senior officials, SSP Haider warned that such absence could have led to a serious security breach. He recommended that those found guilty of gross negligence and dereliction of duty be awarded a heavy penalty of dismissal from service to set an example to others.
