Ban Imposed on Hiring Personal Security Guards in Rawalpindi Housing Societies

RAWALPINDI: In response to a rising number of firing incidents within private housing societies in Rawalpindi, a ban has been enforced on the hiring of personal security guards in all private housing projects.

This decision comes as authorities aim to address concerns over the misuse of armed security personnel in these societies.

To tackle the issue effectively, the collection of data regarding private security personnel and their weapons in all private housing schemes has commenced.

Additionally, a large-scale search operation will be conducted to identify and seize any illegal weapons found within unauthorized housing projects.

Police officials have received reports indicating that certain illegal housing societies have been employing multiple private guards armed with sophisticated automatic weapons under the guise of personal security.

These security guards are allegedly being utilized to unlawfully seize land and engage in confrontations with opponents.

As a result, frequent exchanges of gunfire between rival groups within these illegal housing societies have instilled fear and panic among residents.

In light of armed clashes in specific police stations of Saddar and Potohar divisions, the police have devised a comprehensive plan using digital mapping.

This plan, approved by CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani in a meeting, involves the participation of Saddar SP Muhammad Nabil Khokhar, SDPO Taxila, and SHOs of Chontra, Chakri, Rawat, Naseerabad, and Taxila.

During the meeting, CPO Hamdani ordered a large-scale operation to crack down on illegal weapons and land mafia within housing societies.

Moreover, the authorities will conduct surveys of all societies and compile data on security personnel and weapons.

Furthermore, the meeting concluded that private housing societies and organizations will only be permitted to hire guards and use weapons provided by registered security companies.

In addition, if any firing incidents occur within a society, all individuals involved, as well as their accomplices and facilitators, will be promptly arrested.

In the upcoming grand search operation in housing societies, local police will be supported by elite commandos who will respond swiftly to any resistance encountered.

Besides, all senior officers have been instructed to provide details of the operation and its progress to the CPO office within two weeks, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Source: Tribune