Potential disaster looms in twin cities amid dysfunctional cameras, absent police officials

Despite rising terror threats in the twin cities, the Rawalpindi District Courts, one of the city’s busiest areas, have become a major security risk due to the collapsed surveillance and security system.

Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed at the premises, 61 are out of order, footage from nine is non-functional and only seven work partially, recording dark images and videos in the darkness or in night mode. Four walk-through gates at the main entrances have been inoperative for over 18 months, while metal detectors are also completely faulty.

Police pickets on rooftops have been dismantled, and officers deployed for court security have been reassigned to cricket stadiums for Pakistan–Sri Lanka matches, leaving the complex even more vulnerable.

With only three official security shifts and a shortfall of 50 personnel, security lapse remains critical. Around 30,000 to 35,000 people visit the complex daily for court hearings, affidavits, property registration and official documentation.

President of the District Bar Association, Sardar Manzar Bashir, confirmed that a report on the malfunctioning security systems has been submitted to the deputy commissioner, demanding urgent repairs, installation of new gates, and deployment of intelligence officers in civvies.

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The district administration said, directives have been issued to immediately upgrade the system, repair all cameras, and install new walk-through gates, adding that more surveillance cameras will also be installed around the premises.

Meanwhile, a major security lapse has surfaced in the federal capital, as 76 officers and personnel of Islamabad Police’s Operational Wing were found absent without notice from their VVIP security duties during the International Speakers Conference and foreign cricket teams’ visits.

SSP Security Division Captain (retd) Zeeshan Haider described the situation as highly alarming and sent letters to senior authorities, recommending strict departmental action, including dismissal of negligent officials.

According to sources, during inspections of security arrangements for the VVIP delegations on November 10, a total of 67 officials were found missing, while from November 7 to 9, another nine officers, including an ASI, were absent from security points assigned guard duty for foreign teams.

In his official communication to the IGP, DIG, and other senior officials, SSP Haider warned that such absenteeism could have led to a serious security breach. He recommended that those found guilty of gross negligence and dereliction of duty be awarded major penalty of dismissal from service to set an example for others.