Addressing vulnerabilities: Police to enhance security at F-8 courts

Junejo visits katcheri, promises installation of 30 cameras, increased police deployment

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the deadly attack on the district courts in March this year, the Islamabad Police have decided to install 30 cameras and deploy ‘young and vigilant’ policemen at the premises.

Operations SSP Asmatullah Junejo, during a visit to the courts, said the number of cameras will be increased from nine to 30 while the number of policemen will rise from 87 to 110 as part of enhanced security measures in and around the courts in Sector F-8. “I visited the courts and a decision will be taken after the final analysis,” he said.

After a meeting with lawyers working at the courts, the SSP said nine cameras were not sufficient to provide security for thousands of litigants who regularly visit the premises.

Islamabad District Bar Association President Naseer Ahmed Kayani said 30 cameras would somewhat reduce the security threats but the bar has “no trust in the police as they failed to adequately respond to the attackers during the (March) attack.” He claimed they need Rangers to patrol and protect the courts and litigants.

Talking about the security measures, Kayani said “It’s an uphill task, especially with the police’s previous performance.”

Junejo admitted that the lawyers’ complaints were genuine as they were driven by the police response to the attack but things would not get better by just criticising the role of police. He assured that foot patrolling by Rangers will also be resumed.

Junejo said the police have already written a letter to the deputy commissioner and as soon as the resources are available, the cameras would be installed.

In his visit to the duty points in the courts, Junejo issued show-cause notices to three policemen for inefficiency while performing their assigned duties.

Progress about the investigation of the March attack was also discussed.

At least 11 people, including additional sessions judge Rafaqat Awan, were killed and around 30 wounded
in the gun and bomb attack in the court premises on March 3.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2014.