Who watches the watchmen?: DHA residents call for security plan
Authorities urged to take notice of lawlessness after a shop was robbed by policemen.
KARACHI:
The Association of Defence Residents (ADR) called for the authorities to take notice of lawlessness in DHA and implement a practical and foolproof security plan after a supermarket in Badar Commercial Area was allegedly robbed by policemen on Thursday.
In a press release issued on Monday, ADR general secretary Asad Kizilbash revealed that the organisation, which consists of representatives from most of the area's resident associations, had earlier gave a briefing on a security plan to two DHA administrators, three Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) executive officers and other officials.
He added that although the ADR had received a positive response, the authorities did not follow through on implementing the plan.
According to Kizilbash, the plan proposed an extensive network of security cameras on every street, rapid response vehicles covering the entire area and the use of modern technology and manpower to monitor all entrances to Defence.
He added that the financing of such a security apparatus would have been borne by the residents, with ADR assisting in convincing them to accept an additional CBC tax for security.
The plan also asked for this tax to be maintained in a separate account and for the project to be overseen by a committee consisting of senior DHA, CBC and law enforcement officials as well as representatives of the residents, to ensure transparency and the input of the taxpayers.
"This is not the first instance in which the residents have both experienced and at times suspected such activities being undertaken by their local law enforcers," said Kizilbash. "The residents are horrified by the news of a robbery by no other than the policemen deputed to protect their lives and properties."
He pleaded the DHA president and administrator as well as the CBC president and chief executive officer to fulfil their responsibility towards the area that falls under their jurisdiction. "Make DHA a secure community, reflecting the image of a pristine and peaceful neighbourhood and not just a place known for its posh houses and glitzy shops," he appealed.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2014.
The Association of Defence Residents (ADR) called for the authorities to take notice of lawlessness in DHA and implement a practical and foolproof security plan after a supermarket in Badar Commercial Area was allegedly robbed by policemen on Thursday.
In a press release issued on Monday, ADR general secretary Asad Kizilbash revealed that the organisation, which consists of representatives from most of the area's resident associations, had earlier gave a briefing on a security plan to two DHA administrators, three Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) executive officers and other officials.
He added that although the ADR had received a positive response, the authorities did not follow through on implementing the plan.
According to Kizilbash, the plan proposed an extensive network of security cameras on every street, rapid response vehicles covering the entire area and the use of modern technology and manpower to monitor all entrances to Defence.
He added that the financing of such a security apparatus would have been borne by the residents, with ADR assisting in convincing them to accept an additional CBC tax for security.
The plan also asked for this tax to be maintained in a separate account and for the project to be overseen by a committee consisting of senior DHA, CBC and law enforcement officials as well as representatives of the residents, to ensure transparency and the input of the taxpayers.
"This is not the first instance in which the residents have both experienced and at times suspected such activities being undertaken by their local law enforcers," said Kizilbash. "The residents are horrified by the news of a robbery by no other than the policemen deputed to protect their lives and properties."
He pleaded the DHA president and administrator as well as the CBC president and chief executive officer to fulfil their responsibility towards the area that falls under their jurisdiction. "Make DHA a secure community, reflecting the image of a pristine and peaceful neighbourhood and not just a place known for its posh houses and glitzy shops," he appealed.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2014.