ISLAMABAD: The capital police have found security of 28 media houses unsatisfactory and decided to approach them with suggestions to improve it, sources told Dawn on Tuesday.

Letters in this regard are being issued to the local and foreign media houses.

According to the contents of the letter, the media houses have been advised to raise the boundary wall up to eight feet with barbed or concertina wire covering it.

The sources quoting from the letter said slums, bushes or hedges around some media houses were serious security hazard and needed to be removed immediately.

The letter told the media houses to install preferably up to six CCTV cameras in and around the buildings, the sources said.

Similarly, there is nullah running adjacent to some media houses needs to be covered properly, the officials quoted from the letters.

It was also proposed to install a watch tower which should be manned by vigilant armed security guard for efficient response in case of emergency, the sources said.

“Vantage bunker and watch tower plays a vital role in handling emergency situation, effective surveillance and for keeping vigilant eye on suspicious activities around the building,” the letter said.

Besides, the buildings should have proper lighting arrangement for clear visibility at night, the officials quoting from the letter said.

The number of security guards at the media houses was also found unsatisfactory.

“Manual frisking and body search with metal detector of visitors should be ensured,” the media houses were asked in the letters, adding that “walkthrough gate should also be placed at the entrance.”

“Checking of vehicles should be ensured with reflecting mirror,” the letter said.

“Emergency alarm system should be installed for panic alert in case of emergency, the officials quoted the letters adding that emergency evacuation map or plan should be prepared and displaced at prominent place at the earliest. Monthly drill of employees should be carried out on regular basis,” the content of the letter said.

Most of the media houses have been advised to involve Special Branch for “verification of all employees.”

When contacted, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Sultan Azam Temuri was not available for his comments.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2015

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