It’s the time to disco? Not on DHA police’s watch

With all political activities banned in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and parties ordered to close down their offices under a new security plan for improving security in the area, the police – in a blatant show of extra-efficiency and highhandedness – have started cracking down on social gatherings there.
The DHA had announced a plan according to which all political offices in DHA were to be closed down or sealed since the by-laws do not permit political activities in residential areas. Display of weapons was also prohibited that was to be strictly enforced by the joint teams of law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Pakistan Rangers, police and DHA vigilance teams were allowed random checking of vehicles to search for illicit drugs, explosives, non-registered weapons, fake motor registration, tinted glasses, etc.
However, event organisers are in a dilemma after the police also placed a ban on dance parties and fashion shows in the DHA.
“On Saturday night, police personnel entered two houses where dance parties were organised and asked us to stop the programme as a ban has been imposed on all kinds of parties,” an event organiser, requesting anonymity, told Pakistan Today.
He said that a police officer told the organisers that along with political parties, dance parties and other social gatherings have also been banned by the higher authorities in the DHA. ”Intelligence agencies have information that dance parties and fashion shows may be the next targets of terrorists,” he added, quoting the policeman.
The organiser also said that police are detaining youngsters visiting the DHA to participate in such parties and only release them after extorting some money. “Women wearing pants are the main target of policemen.”
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) West Zone Naeem Sheikh told Pakistan Today that police are not creating hurdles in organising programmes in DHA but trying to remove criminal elements from the area. “We are working in collaboration with the DHA and action would be taken on complaints about such issues.”
DHA spokesman Colonel Naqvi, however, said that the authority cannot impose a ban on social events being organised inside the houses as interior premises are not in the DHA’s jurisdiction. “The DHA did not impose any ban on dance parties, fashion shows or any other programme that is organised inside the [boundary] walls of the house.”
He added that the DHA had banned political activities and political parties’ offices in the Defence area.
Dance parties, fashion shows, musical concerts and other entertainment events are frequently organised in the DHA and only selected people are invited.
Sources told Pakistan Today that there are around 33 bungalows in DHA where such programmes are held regularly. “Some influential people have purchased bungalows and decorated them specifically for such shows. They provide the houses on rent for these functions and earn millions of rupees.”
A police official informed Pakistan Today that more than 10 programmes including dance parties, fashion shows and musical events are held every weekend in DHA and strict security measures are taken around the houses due to the attendance of high-profile people.
Recently, the bungalow of Crime Investigation Department Senior Superintendent of Police Chaudhry Aslam in DHA Phase VIII was targeted that spread a wave of panic among the residents.
Meanwhile, under the new security plan unveiled by the housing authority all commercial areas in DHA will be electronically monitored with the cooperation of stakeholders.
The DHA has planned electronic surveillance of the entire DHA which will be implemented in phases. In Phase-I of the plan, all entry- and exit-points will be monitored through cameras from a control room, linked with suitably-located LEA teams for quick response. The system will become functional by October 30.
A survey of DHA also revealed that there are a number of small entry and exit points under no major use of residents that can be permanently blocked for security reasons. All such points will be closed in a phased programme.
According to the DHA, some government officials and political leaders have established check posts in front of their houses in DHA, thereby blocking the road which is a source of concern for the public. The LEA teams were tasked to remove all such road blocks and the residents concerned advised to remove such obstructions within one week.
Residents have been advised to ensure that tents pitched outside their houses for private security personnel are set up in an organised manner which do not affect the right of way in any manner as it is tantamount to encroachment and a violation of DHA by-laws.
The DHA has also requested its residents to get their employees and servants registered with the police stations concerned and the DHA Vigilance Branch. Mosque committees and residents have also been asked to ensure that mosque premises are used for prayers and religious gatherings only and all other activities are discouraged to avoid misuse of the holy places.
DHA Administrator Brigadier Aamer Raza Qureshi has appealed to residents to cooperate with the DHA in making the new security plan successful.