I RECENTLY went to Aunty Park in Clifton’s Block 5 for my routine morning walk. I saw a young boy there, but did not notice anything peculiar about him. When I completed my walk and came out, I once again saw the same young boy and this time I noticed a gun with a sling on his shoulder. I realised that actually he was a security guard.

As he looked too young for the task, I asked him how old he was. A gentleman, who seemed like a worker at the park, interjected, telling me the guard’s age was 15 years. I enquired from the boy who told me he could be 18-20 years old.

At that point, the other gentleman remarked that private security agencies “are very cruel” as they hire young boys to do a risky job. When I argued that at this young age the lad could do some other work, but should not be allowed to be a security guard with a gun if he was under 18. The gentleman said something to the effect that helplessness had many faces. I felt numb, and left wondering how private security firms could hire under-18 children for a job that entailed handling a gun.

The German consulate in the city has lately done a wonderful renovation job at the park, transforming it into an environment-friendly facility. This has helped me learn how to separate biodegradable products from non-biodegradable stuff even at home. The consulate has even provided separate bins for plastic cans, paper, etc. I commend the German consulate for its work and hope that it will assist the government in hiring only eligible security guards who are mature enough to handle a weapon.

The private security companies should also check age and identity documents of those being hired as security guards while ensuring labour laws are applied in the recruitment process. The government on its part should keep a check on all private security companies to ensure they are complying with essential prerequisites for recruiting security guards.

Dr Mumtaz Lakhani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2022