Nisar vows ‘adequate’ security at educational institutes, media houses

Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday said provision of security to all educational institutions and media houses in the federal capital was being ensured by taking all stakeholders onboard.

The minister was chairing a meeting to review security arrangements put in place for private educational institutes and shifting them from urban areas, media houses and other important buildings. Various other measures being taken to further improve security in federal capital were also talked about.

He said, “It is our collective responsibility to make Islamabad safe,” and assured the participants that no educational institution or media house would be left unattended.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Capital Administration Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Maroof Afzal, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, SSP Islamabad (Operations), SSP Security, Zonal SPs, representatives of private schools, media and business community and senior officials of the ministry.

Nisar directed SSP Islamabad Police to nominate a SP level officer for security who would work as focal person and keep liaison with representatives of media houses and educational institutes. Similarly, a focal person from CADD should also be nominated for the purpose.

Nisar constituted a committee having representatives from private schools, federal directorate of education, CADD and police who would submit initial reports within a month.

With regard to security of media houses, he said there must be deployment of trained FC guards on every media house whether it’s small or big and also announced to specifically grant arms licenses for media houses. He said media houses should also nominate their security officer to ensure liaison with police.

The next meeting would be held after a month.

Nisar said as part of measures to further improve security of capital, a new and innovative chip system for vehicles would be introduced from next month for ease of citizens.

He also mentioned the Safe City Islamabad project. Moreover, he said the private security companies unable to provide effective security would not be allowed to operate.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary emphasized that people should cope with the challenge with better preparedness and strategy, saying safety measures were being adopted and conveyed to more than 350 schools providing education to more than 0.125 students.

The representatives of media houses suggested SoP should be formed and trained security personnel should be deployed to improve security of their offices.

Similarly, representatives of private schools suggested amendment in by-laws of CDA, allowing them to share a part of plots allotted to government schools or new plots in every sector be allotted to them on concessional rates.