Company pitches new container-tracking systems, police plug surveillance system

Sarwar briefs members of the corporate world present about the new and exciting container-tracking system.

KARACHI: “Do you know where your containers are?” was the first question from Ahsan Sarwar, TPL Trakker’s executive director, at a Corporate Security Conference on Thursday, when security threats to the corporate sector and people were discussed.

Sarwar briefed members of the corporate world present about the new and exciting container-tracking system which kept drivers in check because they knew ‘someone was watching them’. The marketing manager gave his spiel about the company’s services in the “difficult times that we live in” as well.

“With our satellite tracking, we can pinpoint locations through the GPS/GSM system technology and communicate through GSM network through country-wide coverage...mobi track...fuel monitoring...navigation ... 30 day back-up ... battery tamper alarms ...”

Suited-up men in crisp white shirts and charcoal grey suits fixed their gaze at each man who went up to the podium to speak. They listened half-heartedly. Some were fulfilling their corporate duty by making an appearance, others tuned in and out, listening to the services and new offers. They dominated the room, which had only a handful of women.

The table with media representatives sprang into action, however, when Sindh Police Additional Inspector-General Saud Mirza’s turn came. The host introduced him as the George Clooney of the police. “Mirza received the Civilian Award for rendered services,” he said, adding that he has held the posts of the CID’s DIG, Hyderabad DIG, Regional Director Narcotics.

Mirza calmly and humbly spoke for a brief 15 minutes, focusing on the police’s forensic capabilities. They are upgrading digital forensic capabilities. The police is going to launch a video surveillance system for Karachi. He dwelt on the ‘modern’ investigation and detection tools used by the police force.

The surveillance system for Karachi, to be launched this year, will include the “most modern, state-of-the-art technology”. The project will cover 164 sites in the city and will have 900-plus megapixel PTZ, fixed, ANPR cameras at all strategic locations. The project will act as a deterrent to terrorist acts, street crime, traffic violators and will enhance VIP security and improve overall public security. The government has allocated Rs500 million for the project.

Jamil Yousaf, the former Citizens-Police Liasion Committee (CPLC) chief and TPL Holdings chairman, discussed personal safety. “Families should discuss how to respond to threatening situations,” he suggested. Yousaf felt that photo identification of all employees, maids, cooks, drivers, etc, must be kept on record in case of a security threat to the family.

“Trakker Pakistan, with the help of law-enforcement agencies, has recovered vehicles and goods worth Rs15 billion,” informed Yousaf.

Despite the problems faced by the police force discussed by Mirza, including cost-intensive equipment, the absence of DNA labs in Sindh, a lack of a professional approach to forensics and no access to fingerprints because of a lack of cooperation from NADRA, Yousaf remained hopeful.

“Things are not that bad,” he said. “We must raise hope in the city and country as a whole and honestly, we are far better off than many other countries.”

Get photo IDs of all domestic employees

Deploy a security system, watchdog (with sensor lights, electronic doors, CCTV etc.)

Do not display your name at the gate. Put only the address

Guards should be at an elevated position

Never carry cheque books, bank statements, credit card copies, mobile phone IMEI numbers in your briefcase while on the road

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th, 2011.