Karachi: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi chaired a meeting to review security arrangements at the mausoleum of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, at his office on Wednesday.
The meeting also reviewed, in light of the directions of the Senate Standing Sub-Committee on National Heritage, a proposal to allow the general public greater access to the mausoleum and that public entry would be regulated.
In this regard a committee was formed under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi to conduct a detailed review of security arrangements and the procedure for allowing the general public to enter and access the mausoleum podium. The committee will include representatives of SSP South, Pakistan Rangers and the Mazar-e-Quaid Management Board.
The committee has been directed to examine the proposal to lift the restriction on public access to the podium and submit its report at the next meeting, within two weeks.
The meeting also reviewed measures to make security at Mazar-e-Quaid more comprehensive and in line with modern requirements, as well as arrangements for regulating public movement and entry.
Representatives of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Pakistan Rangers, police, Mazar-e-Quaid Management Board and other relevant institutions presented suggestions for improving security measures, public access and administrative arrangements.
Mazar-e-Quaid Management Board representative Abdul Aleem Sheikh briefed Commissioner Karachi on the existing policy for public entry and security arrangements at the mausoleum.
The meeting was informed that the main gate of the mausoleum is currently equipped with walk-through gates and metal detectors, while surveillance is being conducted through 173 CCTV cameras. A ticket of Rs30 is charged for entry to the museum, while general entry to the park is free.
It was further informed that 68 security personnel are currently performing duties in 24-hour shifts.
Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi directed that security at the main gate be further strengthened and that watchtowers be kept fully operational.