District courts' security beefed up to prevent violence

Sources say inmates will undergo thorough physical search during court appearances

RAWALPINDI:

Strict security measures have been enforced to cater to the incidents of quarrels, murders and attempted murders among the accused during their appearances in the District Court and the Judicial Complex.

All prisoners brought from Adiala Jail to the courts will neither be allowed to leave the temporary courthouse lockup without a court hearing nor will they be permitted to use mobile phones to contact family or friends.

The City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi has issued a circular to the in-charges of the Anti-Terrorism Court's (ATCs) Bakshi Khana, District Court Bakshi Khana, and Judicial Complex Bakshi Khana. The circular outlines strict measures to prevent frequent brawls and violent attacks among prisoners on the courts premises.

According to the circular, a complete search will be required of all the accused brought to the court from the Adiala Jail for appearances before returning to jail, and there will also be a ban on meetings with them in temporary custody. It has been made mandatory for all officials on duty in the Bakshi Khana to wear bulletproof jackets and departmental action will be taken against those, who do not comply with the orders. Meanwhile, closed-circuit cameras will also be installed in these places for strict monitoring.

Furthermore, all officials on duty in the Bakshi Khana will be present here at all times during duty hours and any accused who has to be produced in court from here will have to be produced under the strictest security as per the Standard Operating Procedures.

It has also been made mandatory to deploy Plainclothes officials in and around the Bakshi Khana for additional security and carrying weapons and any kind of prohibited items to Bakhshi Khana will be strictly prohibited. Moreover, opposing parties involved in the same case must be kept separate to prevent conflicts and ensure safety.

Strict legal action will be taken against the in-charge of the Bakshi Khana for violation of the SOP.