Going digital: PHC directs govt to ensure hassle-free security checks

Says digital scanners be installed at Peshawar’s check posts.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday directed the provincial government to mull over installation of digital scanners at security check posts in Peshawar to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

The order was issued by a two-member division bench, comprising Justice Mian Fasihul Mulk, the PHC chief justice-designate, and Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan, while hearing a petition filed by Muhammad Isa Khan regarding problems faced by the city’s commuters while passing security barricades.

Responding to the court, Colonel Imran, representing the station commander of army’s 11 Corps, said they are following PHC’s order issued on April 10 last year which directed to increase the number of lanes, especially for ambulances and school vehicles.

He further said the installation of digital scanners was the responsibility of the government and sufficient funds will need to be sanctioned for the purpose.

The bench observed it was a fact that in the present security situation it may be necessary to have barricades, but the long lines of vehicles also create problems. It directed that suspicious vehicles be checked on one side of the barricades while other vehicles be allowed passage without any interruption.

Deputy Attorney General Muhammad Iqbal Mohmand told the bench PHC had also earlier ordered to install digital scanners at all exit and entry points of the city and said a committee chaired by the chief secretary is working for this purpose.

The court ordered the government to inform the court within 15 days about the committee’s progress.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2014.