ON Jan 11 while I was away in Lahore, thieves broke into my house in Bahria Town phase IV, Islamabad. They took away cash and jewellery under the nose of so-called security for which Bahria Town administration takes huge sums of money from residents.

I have been living in Bahria Town since 2007 and in the current house since 2013. A few years ago, Bahria Town charged each house 50,000 rupees for the installation of CCTV cameras. One security camera was installed in front of my house. In addition to this, I pay Rs3,880 for maintenance and security charges every month.

After the theft when I asked Bahria Town security to provide me the footage of the duration when theft took place, they said that no footage from that time was available.

If this is the case, then what is the use of such CCTV system installed?

I need this footage to help police investigate and find the burglars.

Since Bahria Town has failed to protect and safeguard my property despite levying huge charges, it should immediately refund my Rs50,000 and all monthly charges in the name of security and also compensate for my loss because of theft, for it was its duty to prevent it and they have failed to deliver.

I have also contacted the ASP at Koral police station to draw his attention towards police non-cooperation and refusal to register an FIR.

I was told that media does not publish anything about crime and thefts in Bahria Town because the management has immense influence and get any such news killed. But I have complete confidence in your esteemed media organisation which stands for the freedom of press.

Syed Mujtaba Shahid
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2019