ISLAMABAD: The capital police have prepared a draft ordinance to legally bind the residents of the city as well as the visitors to submit their basic information to them.

Officials in the police said the draft of the ‘Islamabad Capital Territory Information of Tenants, Temporary Residents and Property Ordinance’ would be sent to the chief commissioner Islamabad within the next a few days for legislation through the interior and law ministries.

They said such an ordinance had already been promulgated in Punjab which helped the law enforcement agencies keep an eye on suspects and counter terrorists and criminals.

At the moment, the capital police themselves collect information from the owners of houses, tenants and the managements of hotels, guesthouses and inns.

On the request of the capital police, the deputy commissioner issues a notification under Section 144 binding the house owners and managers of hotels, motels, inns and guesthouses to share details of their tenants and guests with the police. However, the DC’s order expires after two months after which it has to be issued again.

Scores of cases were registered against those who failed to follow the directives.

Under the prevailing security situation, a proper legislation is necessary to empower the police to take action against those who fail to provide the needed information to the police within seven days, the officials said.

Police to send draft to chief commissioner for legislation through ministries of interior and law

The draft ordinance envisages a fine of Rs10,000 or six months’ imprisonment for those who would fail to provide the details to the police.

The owners and tenants would be bound to submit the details to the area police within seven days. The owners would also be bound to inform the police if their tenants were found possessing illegal weapons.

After informing the police, the house owners would also take the weapons into their custody till the police take action against them.

Similarly, the owners and managers of hotels, motels, hostels and guesthouses will be bound to submit the details of their visitors or guests to the police.

The ordinance will help the police search houses and commercial buildings and call people to the police station concerned for investigations. Under the ordinance, the police will also take action against those who refuse to cooperate with them or submit the details of the tenants or the visitors.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2015

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