September 28, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 27, 1429

RAWALPINDI, Sept 27: A new security system for various strategic military and public locations in the cantonment areas would be put in place by the end of this year, it has been learnt.

Under the new system, work on which is progressing at a fast pace, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be installed on The Mall, Peshawar Road, Bank Road, Adamjee Road, Kashmir Road, Kutchery Chowk, Chaklala, Jhelum Road and some other areas.

A monitoring cell to be controlled by the Corps Headquarters would keep the locations under round-the-clock surveillance through these security cameras.

The proposed installation of CCTV cameras in Saddar area, particularly around commercial centres, by the district administration could not take place even after a lapse of four months.

Therefore, now it has been decided to incorporate the plan into the new system.

In the recent past, the Punjab government in association with traders and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) had selected various busy locations in the cantonment areas for the installation of security cameras.

The Mall and Peshawar Road have become extremely sensitive areas due to the movement of top civil and military officials, particularly during the peak hours.

Last year, a suicide bombing on The Mall killed several people, including a serving three-star general.

This attack and similar incidents taking place in other parts of the city led to the decision of having a comprehensive monitoring system to ensure security of civil and military installations.

The entire stretch of Bank Road now houses shopping malls where security at present is almost nonexistent.

Likewise, Kashmir Road in Saddar has become a hub of encroachments that pose a serious security threat.

A visit to the area gives the impression that the entire road – starting from The Mall crossing to Kamran Market Chowk – has been taken over by encroachers. The cantonment board staff seems to have turned a blind eye to this alarming situation.

Unauthorised vendors all over the Saddar area have eaten up parking spaces, forcing motorists to park their vehicles along roads.

The entire enclave between Adamjee Road and Bank Road in the close vicinity of the Ministry of Defence has become a full-fledged centre of readymade garments of international labels, mobile markets, fast food outlets and many more business.