The federal government is considering using private security companies in aid of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.
According to sources in the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the ICT administration has proposed a number of amendments in the present rules governing the establishment and operation of private security agencies in the federal capital. “The private security companies can be used for the support of the district administration whenever explicitly invited/directed to do so by the district administration of a district in an extraordinary situation like law and order/earthquake or any other natural or man-made disaster. Penal consequences to follow in case default thereof,” reads one of the proposals suggested by the ICT administration to the ministry. For this, it said, amendment in relevant rules will be required. At present, the matter of private security companies is being regulated under Private Security Companies Ordinance, 2001 and Private Security Companies Rules 2001.
The set of proposals and subsequent amendments said private security companies shall be liable for provision of information to law enforcing agencies (LEAs) regarding occupants of premises on a prescribed proforma for diplomats, foreigners, hostels, NGOs, associations, or other private establishments.
If a security guard is found involved in dacoity, heist or criminal activity, the licensee as well as concerned security guard will be held responsible and heavy penalty will be imposed. In case of failure of a security guard to resist any criminal activity, the licensee shall be held responsible for the criminal negligence of the security guard, the proposals further read. The NADRA is ready to prepare a database of private security companies in ICT, guards etc. The licence of a security company may be suspended for three months in case of violation of conditions of licence or relevant rules, ICT administration further suggested.
The proposals said employment structure of the company must contain, among other conditions, terms ensuring suitable compensation as specified by the MoI from time to time regarding injury or death of its security guards while on duty in addition to financial health of the company and details of payment of taxes. The committee would also take into account the number of security guards to be employed as per proposed offices and operations and detail of proposed weapons to be held by the company. In case of any incident of criminal nature at the place of security guard deployment, the role of the security guard will be scrutinised on the basis of police investigation, the proposals read.
