KARACHI: A proposal to establish a security company on the pattern of the federal government-run Police Foundation has been under consideration of the Sindh police authorities to provide guards to individuals and organisations, it emerged on Wednesday.

Sindh police chief Ghulam Hyder Jamali confirmed to Dawn that the Sindh police would establish the security company on the pattern of the Police Foundation, which had been set up by the federal government, to provide guards. “Work is under way on the proposal which has a provision for fresh candidates, besides retired policemen, to join it for guard duty,” he added.

At the meeting, directives were issued that cases registered under Karachi targeted operation be investigated scrupulously with collection of substantial evidence, while the prosecutor general would ensure scrutiny of such cases. “Regular meetings shall be held between the prosecution and investigation for better coordination and speedy disposal of court cases especially cases registered during the Karachi targeted operation,” stated the minutes of the meeting.The proposal was discussed at a meeting on law and order recently held at CM House.

The meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, was informed that there was an increase in demand of police guards.

The chief minister directed the police chief as well as the provincial home and law departments to expedite work on the proposed police foundation.

At the meeting, the police chief was also directed to submit proposals for the establishment of a DNA lab and a separate cadre for forensic officials of police department. It was decided that a committee would be set up to draft a proposed law for the establishment of a DNA lab and a separate cadre for the forensic personnel. In compliance with the decisions taken in the meeting, a proposal was later moved seeking Rs500 million to start work on the construction of the DNA lab building, said IG Jamali while speaking to Dawn.

It was noted with concern that the reports of joint investigation team were not being completed on time. “JITs have to be completed within seven days and its report has to be submitted within two days after completion but they are delayed blatantly,” it was stated.

Serious concern was also expressed over the ‘delay’ in disposal of cases in special courts. The meeting decided that four to five special courts would be assigned to hear cases registered during the Rangers-led operation. It was decided that terrorism cases be shifted from courts in Karachi to those established in other cities of the province.

It was also decided that details of the cases registered, criminals arrested, challaned, convicted, acquitted in targeted killing, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom and extortion cases would be shared with the chief minister’s secretariat on a regular basis.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2014