The Home and Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has revoked the licenses of defaulting private security companies operating in the province directing all district co-ordination officers (DCOs) and all district police officers (DPOs) to keep check on these security companies.
According to an official handout issued here on Wednesday, recently the Home Department has revoked the licenses of defaulting security companies under Section 10 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Security Companies Ordinance 2002 because the companies had failed to renew their licenses under Section 6 ibid. A letter has been sent to all DCOs and DPOs. The official letter stated: "In the present law and order scenario the role of private security companies has enhanced. At present 55 companies are registered with the Home Department and functioning in the province. These companies are providing security services to the various public and private entities".
According to Section 5 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Security Companies Rules, 2003 the concerned DCO and superintendent of police may keep a check on the operations of private security companies operating in their jurisdiction. Section 5 and 8 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Security Companies Ordinance, 2002 states that no company can operate without a license and every licensee shall exhibit its license in a conspicuous place. Further Section 11 of the Ordinance states that after the revocation of licenses the licensee shall cease to carry on business of a private security company.
The Home Department directed the DCOs and DPOs to check the offices of private security agencies in their respective jurisdiction and furnish a certificate jointly signed by DCO and DPO within 15 days for further necessary action by the Home Department. Home Secretary Muhammad Azam Khan after assuming charge has started taking steps for the improvement of law and order situation in the province.
He kept himself available to the public round the clock. In recent meeting with the officials of the Home Department Muhammad Azam Khan showed his determination to bring positive change in the department. According to him, public would be encouraged to registered their complaints with the department. According to him, dereliction of duty by any official would not be tolerated.