Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat has said that only well-trained security guards with registered arm licenses would be allowed in private security companies of the federal capital. He warned of crackdown against any such companies or individuals offering private illegal security services. In an interview with a private news channel, DC Islamabad said, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has decided to start immediate inspection of private security companies who are operating in the city in cooperation with Capital police as many industrialists, businessmen and individuals when feeling insecure need security guards to protect their life and property.
He said the inspection process will be launched from this month and it has been decided to revoke licenses of private security companies who have not submitted their particulars and other details to ICT administration. Hamza Shafqat said the administration will issue notices initially to the licensees of those private security companies which are found violating the law and not ensuring the compliance of Rules.
The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that security guards have been trained by the approved Institutions and their antecedents verified by the Police Department.
The license of the security company is not renewed if security guards are not trained, security-wise not cleared and medically unfit. The Private Security companies will be asked to get renewal of their licenses on time, arrange periodic training of their guards, ensure the antecedents and security clearance of their guards by the concerned police prior to their deployment in Islamabad as required under the law.
It was also decided that the elite force would be equipped with modern gear and weaponry and be well-trained, at par with the international standards, he added. “However, while formulating private security ordinance and rules, hands of private security companies have been kept tight,” he mentioned. “They cannot be issued arms licenses for any untrained security guards,” the DC said. He highlighted the owners of private security companies are taking full advantage and appointing untrained security guards even they don’t know how to use weapons in emergencies
