Rawalpindi District Court. PHOTO: FILE
Despite rising terror threats in the twin cities, the Rawalpindi District Courts, one of the city’s busiest areas, has become a major security risk due to a collapsed surveillance and security system.
Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed in the premises, 61 are out of order, footage from 9 is non-functional and only 7 are partially functional and produce unusable images in the dark.
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 due to ongoing matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, leaving the complex even more vulnerable.
With only three official security shifts and a shortfall of 50 staff, security gaps remain 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 plainclothes intelligence officers.
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.
Lots of officers absent from VVIP duties
A major security breach has emerged in the federal capital as 76 officers and personnel of Islamabad Police’s operational wing were found absent without notice from their VVIP security duties during the International Speakers Conference and foreign cricket team’s visit.
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.
