District courts' security breakdown puts lives at risk

The security gadgetry at the Rawalpindi district courts has recently been found to be completely out of order, exposing the foolproof police security claims and putting the lives of all stakeholders in danger.

It is learned that all closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, walk-through gates and metal detectors for searches are damaged and become mere toys.

The district courts' premises contain 66 CCTV cameras for monitoring and one walk-through gate each at the main five entrances with metal detectors for frisking.

According to security officials, walk-through gates and metal detectors have been inoperative for the last two years or so and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the City Police Officer (CPO) have been alerted five times about the poor state of affairs. A year ago, 34 out of 66 CCTV cameras were faulty and today all these cameras are defective and unable to capture footage.

Policemen are deployed in three shifts and there is a shortage of 25 personnel for security. Only civilians are searched to enter the district courts and any civilian in a lawyer's uniform can enter the court from any area.

Another security concern at the district courts is the parking of vehicles and motorcycles of lawyers, their clerks and court staff. For a long time, the district courts' premises have become a potential security risk for judges, lawyers, court officials and plaintiffs. The lack of security has also made the courts a 'safe' haven for liquor selling and immoral activities.

The DC and the CPO offices are refusing to fix CCTV cameras owing to a 'severe paucity' of funds. The DC acknowledges that reports of faulty cameras have been received, saying these will be fixed as soon as funds are available.

Rawalpindi District Bar Association president Intizar Mehdi Shah says the police have been asked to upgrade the security system of all entrances to the district courts as the bar will not compromise on security issues at all.

"About 20,000 to 25,000 people visit the district courts daily. There are hundreds of lawyers' chambers present on the premises, while government offices, their staff and officers also perform their duties here," he said.