But some are more equal than others…

ISLAMABAD: A sum of Rs830 million rupees is required to ensure foolproof security of ‘significant’ buildings located in the red zone, the committee formed on the direction of Chairman Senate said in its report.

If the committee’s recommendations are implemented, more of the public money will go towards the security of a few.

According to a source privy to the development, chairman Senate and speaker National Assembly had expressed concerns over the ‘poor’ security of the Parliament House, Parliament lodges, MNA hostel and ministers’ enclave.

“Senators and MNAs had discussed the security lapse with the chairman and the speaker to urge them to direct appropriate measures for foolproof security in the red zone,” the source said.

He added that following the directions of the Senate chairman, a committee comprising officials from the district administration, capital police and Capital Development Authority was consulted. According to the official, the committee worked more than two weeks and visited places listed as lacking security before filing its findings.

The committee has reportedly recommended establishment of watchtowers in and around all the identified buildings and on major avenues leading to these buildings. He said that it was felt that at least 250 policemen should be deployed around the Parliament House and lodges besides the ministers’ enclave.

Moreover, “policemen deployed will perform their duty in three shifts to ensure security of the designated places.”

The committee members also said policemen on different pickets in the red zone are in need of baggage clearance devices so that all those entering the buildings could be screened.

The committee also said that there is a need to procure ammunition and guns to equip police personnel responsible to guard the Members of Parliament and said that besides barriers, close- circuit cameras should also be installed at all important points of these buildings.

According to the source, intelligence agencies have told the ministry of interior not to remove police check posts on the entry and exit points of the federal capital, otherwise, terror risk could increase manifold. Apparently, some politicians and citizens were urging the police to remove the barricades.

He also said that Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Tariq Mehmood Pirzada, has directed capital police to ensure appropriate security measures in and around the Bari Imam shrine which is located next to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2010.