KARACHI: Sindh Governor, Dr Ishrat-ul Ebad Khan Wednesday approved a comprehensive security plan for educational institutions in the province and heads of concerned institutions were directed to take immediate action in this regard.

It may be mentioned here that a meeting regarding law and order situation and security arrangements for educational Institutions was held under the chairmanship of the governor on October 21 which had constituted a committee, headed by Principal Secretary to the Governor and consisting of Vice Chancellors of public and private sector universities besides representatives of Pakistan Rangers Sindh and Sindh Police.

The committee prepared a comprehensive security plan and it was approved by the governor after which it has been forwarded to the heads of concerned institutions for immediate necessary action.

As per details of the plan, educational institutions are to constitute a security cell to be headed by a well trained Security Officer preferably retired officer from the army.

The security staff, preferably ex-servicemen, would be enrolled after necessary security clearance/verification from special branch. Security staff will be equipped and trained by Police/Rangers. Security officer will keep close liaison with the local Wing Commander of the Rangers and Town Police Officer. Security incharge and all security personnel will have all emergency numbers like that of police stations, fire brigade, ambulance service and cellular telephone numbers of SHOs, DSPs, SPs/DPOs, TPOs, Wing Commander of Rangers.

Entire campuses will be walled with broken portions to be repaired; height of walls will be raised so that it is not scaled or barb-wired. Gates will be installed at all entry/exit points and there will be no multiple entry/exit points so that these could be used in case of emergency. All gates in use to be manned by armed guards. Tracks along the perimeter wall would be developed for mobile patrolling by internal security staff of the respective universities.

Concrete road blockers will be placed at the gates to force the vehicle to reduce its speed and make a forced entry. Sand bag pickets or guard rooms would be made at the gates and at different identified locations within the campus. There will be installation of close circuit cameras and communication network (telephones) on the gates, other major points and central security control office. Emergency phones installed at different locations within the campus connecting these to security center.

A map of the whole campus will be prepared indicating entry/exit points and all the buildings, and should be available to the Security Officer for use in emergency situations. Separate map of each building would also be made indicating each and every room.

The number of students who could be present in a particular class depending upon enrolled strength should also be indicated in each room. A well thought out plan be made to cleanse the hostels from weapons/ammunition. The plan may be executed through Police and Rangers.

Entry through ID cards only. Students, faculty, and employees to carry University ID card at all times. Visitors/guests will be allowed inside campus only after submission of original CNICs which would be deposited at the gate. Visitors/guests will have to wear tags. No outsiders without proper CNIC will be allowed in the campuses.

Vehicle passes would be issued and no vehicle would be allowed inside the campus without a pass. Places where students gather in large number like canteen, library, auditorium, etc, will have multiple entry/exit points. Students and visitors will be searched through metal detectors and walk through gates. All vehicles would be searched at the gates. Glass reflectors must be used to check the bottom of the vehicles.—APP