ISLAMABAD: The capital administration has issued notices to all the security firms operating in the city, in response to directives from the interior minister.

According to a statement from the ministry, notices were issued asking companies to have their security guards trained at Police Lines Headquarters, and also to set up secure rooms to store weapons.

Firms were also asked to verify the status of security guards from the police. The notifications said details should be given on a form provided by the administration and should be submitted to the Chief Commissioner Officer within a week.

Directives were also issued to security companies to submit details regarding compensation given to guards who have been injured or killed, or who have disappeared while on duty, and companies’ policies were sought in this regard.

Firms were directed to provide details, including the total number of security guards and the number of guards who have completed training. The statement said the administration would take strict action against companies that failed to provide the details required.

A checklist has also been made, to process the renewal of licences of the city’s private security firms.

The list asked whether a monthly performance report about the company’s operations and its compliance with laws and regulations was being submitted to the Chief Commissioner Office and the police’s special branch regularly.

It also said that security guards should submit certificates proving their security guards have been cleared by police from their native area.

Details of the company’s arms licences, and a certificate that all the licences are valid and up to date were also sought. Companies were also asked whether security guards are physically fit and display identification cards that include the licence number issued by the chief commissioner and photographs issued by the firm.

Companies were also asked whether police were provided with wireless sets, as per the conditions of the licence, and if companies’ offices were open to inspection as and when an inspection is required by the magistrate or police officer.

Company owners were told that they were not authorised to execute, contract or sell their firms to foreign entities or hire foreign directors.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2016