KARACHI: The Sindh government has cancelled the licences of 36 private security companies and issued show-cause notices to 41 others for failing to comply with the requirements set by the provincial home department, it emerged on Monday.

A meeting, chaired by Home Minister Zia Lanjar, was informed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Iqbal Memon that there are currently 302 private security companies registered at the provincial level.

Speaking to Dawn, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, who also attended the meeting, said that private security companies operate under specific rules and regulations in the province.

“If they fail to fulfil these obligations, the Home Department is empowered to cancel their licences,” said the provincial police chief, adding that the companies in question had not been adhering to the prescribed rules, and therefore their licenses had been cancelled.“

The IGP further informed that the process of inspecting private security companies under the Sindh police was ongoing.

Meeting decides to revise SOPs, review law governing 302 private security agencies in province; tasks committee to complete inspection within 30 days

He added that the Employee Verification Management System (EVM) was being used to verify the credentials of security guards. Under the system, it has been made mandatory for every private company to register and verify the complete data of its security personnel.

Minister sets up body

During the meeting, the home minister stated that the existing legislation concerning private security companies was under review and that efforts were under way to introduce necessary amendments.

He emphasised the need to formulate fresh standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all private security companies.

“It must also be determined where security guards will receive formal training,” he said, adding that he aimed to bring all activities and operations of private security companies within a legal and regulatory framework.

The home minister announced the formation of a committee to streamline the functioning of private security companies. The committee will include the special secretary (Home), the coordinator to the home minister and representatives from the Special Branch and other law enforcement agencies.

Mr Lanjar said the committee would submit a report on the complete inspection of private security companies within 30 days.

He also directed the establishment of a dedicated desk for private security companies, adding that he would personally monitor the desk set up in his office.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2025