Of the 77 CCTV cameras installed in Rawalpindi district courts, 61 are broken and seven are partially functional
Despite increasing terrorist threats in the twin cities, the district courts in 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.
Of the 77 CCTV cameras installed at the site, 61 are faulty, the images of nine are not working and only seven are partially working, recording dark images and videos in the dark or in night mode. Four gates at the main entrances have been inoperative for more than 18 months and the metal detectors are also completely defective.
Police pickets on rooftops have been dismantled and officers deployed for court security have been reassigned to cricket stadiums for matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, leaving the complex even more vulnerable.
With only three official security shifts and a deficit of 50 people, the lack of security remains critical. About 30,000 to 35,000 people visit the complex daily for court hearings, depositions, property records and official documentation.
District Bar Association president Sardar Manzar Bashir confirmed that a report on malfunctioning security systems had been submitted to the deputy commissioner, demanding urgent repairs, the installation of new gates and the deployment of plainclothes intelligence officers.
Read more: 12 killed in suicide attack outside Islamabad court in G-11
The district administration said directives 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 staff of the Islamabad Police Operational Wing were found absent without prior notice from their VVIP security duties during the International Speakers Conference and visits by foreign cricket teams.
SSP Security Division Captain (retd) Zeeshan Haider described the situation as highly alarming and sent letters to higher authorities, recommending strict departmental action, including dismissal of negligent officials.
According to sources, during inspections of security arrangements of VVIP delegations on November 10, a total of 67 officials were found missing, while from November 7 to 9, another nine officials, including an ASI, were absent from security points assigned as guards for the foreign teams.
In his official communication to the IGP, DIG and other senior officials, SSP Haider warned that such absenteeism could have led to serious security breach. He recommended that those found guilty of gross negligence and dereliction of duty be given a serious penalty of dismissal from service to set an example for others.
