Security directives: Route duty officials get strict new guidelines

ISLAMABAD:

In light of recent protests, a decision has been made to further tighten security for the president, prime minister, federal ministers, various government officials and foreign embassies.

New directives have been issued by the Interior Ministry. In light of this, the chief commissioner and inspector general of Islamabad have ordered relevant officials to increase the working hours of security personnel along the routes of the president and prime minister to eight hours. In addition, they have also directed for special security details not to be given additional hours of work.

According to details, the security personnel in these route duties have also seen changes, with new inductions made. Further, strict directions have been issued where security personnel at these route duties are not allowed to use their mobile phones while on duty.

Security personnel have also been directed to remain vigilant to messages and notifications on their wireless sets, and be available on the same at all times. According to the new directives, nothing short of complete implementation of these guidelines will be tolerated.

An official said that these security personnel would also be monitored by CCTV cameras installed across the capital as part of the Safe City Project. Therefore, any negligence in this regard will be dealt with swiftly and sternly.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2016.