Security instruments including CCTV cameras, metal detectors and glass safety papers are selling like hot cakes in different markets of Rawalpindi city.

The wholesale dealers and shopkeepers are unable to meet the demand of security instruments. The educational institutions are the biggest clients of these dealers, as they have been ordered by District Coordination Officer (DCO) Imdadullah Bosal to improve security arrangements in their respective educational institutions otherwise they will not be allowed to open their schools or colleges. They have been given only three days to improve the security arrangements in their respective schools or colleges. The DCO has also issued arms licenses to the educational institutions as part of security improvement plan.

Muhammad Waheed, a wholesale dealer of security instruments, told ‘The News’ that they were not able to meet the ever-increasing demand of CCTV cameras, metal detectors and glass safety papers. “Particularly educational institutions are purchasing the safety equipment and we are finding it hard to meet their demand,” he added.

He said that the security instruments are being imported from China and United Kingdom.

‘The News’ learnt that different brands of CCTV cameras, metal detectors and glass safety papers are available in Commercial Market, Imperial Market, Raja Bazaar, College Road and Kamran Market in Saddar, but brands of China and UK are high in demand. A CCTV camera is being sold at Rs5,000 to Rs25,000, a metal detector is being sold at Rs3,000 to Rs15,000 and glass safety paper is being sold for about Rs100 per square feet to Rs450 per square feet.

The dealers and shopkeepers also charge hefty amount for installation of CCTV cameras and glass safety papers.

Zaman Ahmed Khan, a shopkeeper of security instruments told ‘The News’ that his business was very good these days. “But I am not happy with the overall law and order situation of the country, which has forced people to buy these items,” he added.

Executive District Officer (EDO) Education Muhammad Ashraf Malik told ‘The News’ that he ordered all institutions to buy security instruments in three days and if any institution fails to comply with the orders that it would be closed down. Therefore, the heads of institutions are buying security instruments on priority basis, he added.

Online adds: The sale of security gadgets is on rise in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad due to prevailing law and order situation.

Close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, spy cameras, beam sensors, motion sensors and fire alarms were used by law-enforcement agencies, especially police, private security companies, multinational firms, banks, five-star hotels, moneychangers and sensitive departments. However, due to prevailing law and order situation people are using these devices at shops and houses to keep a close eye on terrorists.

According to a shopkeeper dealing security gadgets said that a good CCTV camera with high quality zooming of over one-and-a-half kilometre distance is selling between Rs100,000 and Rs150,000.

Muhammad Umar, the owner of an electronics shop in Saddar, said the CCTV camera with a digital video recorder, which could save data for four to six months, was popular among people looking for one for domestic use.