Critical gaps in CCTV coverage, faulty entry systems, and officer shortages leave thousands at risk.
RAWALPINDI: In a startling revelation, the Rawalpindi district courts, one of the busiest judicial complexes in the twin cities, has been flagged as a major security risk due to a collapsed surveillance and security system.
Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed at the premises, 61 are out of order, footage from 9 cameras is non-functional, and only 7 operate partially, producing images unusable in darkness. This leaves vast areas of the court complex completely unmonitored.
“The current surveillance system is practically non-existent. With thousands of visitors daily, the risk is critical,” said a security official familiar with the situation.
Inoperative Gates and Faulty Metal Detectors
Further complicating security, four walk-through gates at main entrances have remained inoperative for over 18 months, while metal detectors are completely non-functional. Previously stationed police pickets on rooftops have been dismantled, and officers assigned for court security were redeployed to Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricket matches, leaving the premises even more vulnerable.
The courts handle a daily footfall of 30,000 to 35,000 people, including litigants, staff, and visitors seeking court hearings, affidavits, property registration, and official documentation. Experts warn that any lapse in monitoring could have severe consequences for public safety and legal operations.
Personnel Shortages Add to Security Risks
Currently, only three official security shifts operate at the courts, with a shortfall of approximately 50 personnel. This shortage, coupled with non-functional equipment, means that the courts are operating under critical security vulnerability, leaving both visitors and staff at potential risk.
Sardar Manzar Bashir, President of the District Bar Association, confirmed that a report on the malfunctioning system has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. The report demands:
- Immediate repairs to all cameras
- Installation of new walk-through gates
- Deployment of plainclothes intelligence officers across the complex
The district administration has stated that directives have been issued to upgrade the system, repair cameras, install new gates, and add more surveillance cameras to secure the premises effectively.
Additional Security Lapses in Islamabad
The security crisis is not limited to Rawalpindi. 76 officers and personnel of Islamabad Police’s Operational Wing were found absent without notice during the International Speakers Conference and visits by foreign cricket teams.
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.
“Negligence of this scale cannot be tolerated, especially given the current terror threats and large public events,” Haider stated.
The Stakes: Thousands at Risk Daily
With thousands visiting the Rawalpindi courts daily, the combination of non-functional cameras, inoperative gates, faulty metal detectors, and personnel shortages creates a dangerous environment. Security experts warn that the risk of infiltration by criminal or terror elements is high, particularly in a region already facing security challenges.
Lawyers and civil society groups have emphasized that implementation of repairs and new protocols must be immediate, not delayed, to prevent potential tragedies.
“The courts are a hub of public activity. Weak security here affects not just staff, but thousands of ordinary citizens,” said one lawyer requesting anonymity.