KARACHI, Dec 22: With the number of visitors to the Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum constantly rising, there has been a growing demand for foolproof security at the shrine of the Father of the Nation. The mausoleum is also visited by the president, the prime minister and other local and foreign dignitaries to pay homage to the Quaid on various occasions. The general public throngs the place mostly on holidays.

Many of the families present at the mausoleum said during a recent survey that they felt insecure because of the incidents of mugging, assault, hooliganism, etc taking place at this “sacred” place routinely for quite some time.

Some of the visitors pointed out that although people came and stayed for some time at the shrine regardless of the time of the day, they preferred evening hours, especially in the summer months.

However, most families would ensure leaving the premises as soon as possible after sunset because the Mazar management board had not made alternative lighting arrangements to ensure security during load-shedding, they said.

“We feel increasingly insecure when the mausoleum plunges into darkness,” a couple with some young children said, adding: “We have heard cases of mobile phone snatching and looting in and around the vicinity of the mausoleum.”

Some other visitors claimed that the number of visitors had declined considerably, citing the fear factor.

Police and other law-enforcement agencies were there to ensure security at the shrine but their number seemed to be quite insufficient to guard the sprawling lawns effectively, some visitors observed.

The others said the number of youths visiting the mausoleum, mostly in groups, appeared to be much higher than families, especially on holidays. Cases of eve-teasing and youths harassing families often went unreported, they deplored.

Resident Engineer Mohammad Arif, when contacted to express his views on the issue of security at the shrine, said that around 35-40 personnel of the security forces remained deployed in shifts to provide security to visitors. “Security is a problem at every recreational site,” he said.

Referring to some incidents that took place in the past, he said “big crowds visit the mausoleum on the Quaid’s anniversary (December 25) ever year and leave the lawns and greenery damaged. So we have decided to carry out repair and renovation work after the upcoming event.”

To create a sense of security among visitors, the height of the iron grills on the boundary walls of the mausoleum was being raised from five to 7.5 feet, he said, adding that 50 per cent of the work had already been carried out while the remaining work would be completed within this month.

He said a standby power generator would be installed soon to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and improved security during load-shedding and breakdowns at night.

He said that the generator would have the capacity to bear the load of 120 lights and a lift meant for special citizens.

He dispelled the impression that the number of visitors had decreased due to security reasons, pointing out that an average 3,000 to 4,000 people visited the mausoleum every day while the number on Sundays and other holidays increased to 15,000 to 20,000.

The official stated that there were two washroom blocks consisting of eight toilets each on the premises. One toilet in both the blocks was for special people. Considering the number being insufficient, two new blocks consisting of 16 toilets were being added in the next six months, he said.

Mr Arif said there was no shortage of drinking water in the shrine vicinity, pointing out that 13 taps with water coolers had been provided to visitors.—PPI