Rawalpindi district courts, one of the busiest judicial complexes in the city, are facing significant security challenges as the majority of surveillance equipment has become non-functional. Out of 77 CCTV cameras installed across the premises, 61 are completely out of order, nine cameras produce no usable footage, and only seven function partially, with poor performance during low-light conditions. Walk-through gates at the main entrances have been inoperative for over 18 months, while metal detectors have completely failed, leaving the premises vulnerable to potential security threats.
Officials have also highlighted that routine police deployment has been affected, with rooftop pickets dismantled and officers previously assigned to the court complex redirected to oversee cricket matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Only three official security shifts remain active, and there is a reported shortfall of 50 personnel, exacerbating the security gaps in an area that sees daily footfall of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 individuals for court hearings, affidavits, property registrations, and other official documentation. District Bar Association President Sardar Manzar Bashir confirmed that a formal report regarding the malfunctioning security systems has been submitted to the deputy commissioner, calling for urgent repairs, installation of new gates, and deployment of plainclothes intelligence officers to monitor the premises effectively.
The district administration has responded by issuing directives to immediately upgrade the surveillance system, repair all cameras, and install new walk-through gates. Additional cameras are planned to be deployed around the complex to improve monitoring capabilities and ensure that any security incident can be detected in real time. Officials stressed that the repairs and upgrades aim to restore the functionality of the courts’ security network and strengthen protection for both staff and visitors.
In a related development, a major lapse was reported in Islamabad, where 76 officers from the Operational Wing of Islamabad Police were found absent without notice from their VVIP security duties during the International Speakers Conference and the visits of foreign cricket teams. SSP Security Division Captain (retd) Zeeshan Haider described the situation as highly alarming and recommended strict departmental action, including dismissal of negligent officials, through official communications to senior authorities. These incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of security oversight and the need for systematic monitoring of personnel assignments, particularly in high-risk and high-traffic areas.
The combination of inactive CCTV cameras, malfunctioning gates, and absent personnel underscores a critical vulnerability in the management of public security infrastructure. Legal experts and civic leaders have urged authorities to implement permanent solutions that include modern surveillance systems, adequate staffing, and continuous monitoring to prevent further lapses. With thousands of citizens visiting the complex daily, reliable security measures are considered essential to maintaining order and safeguarding the public. The ongoing initiatives by district administration aim to address these gaps while reinforcing accountability among security personnel and ensuring that law enforcement resources are effectively utilized to protect key judicial facilities.
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