KARACHI: The Sindh government has cancelled the licenses of 36 private security companies and placed 41 others on notice in a sweeping crackdown against non-compliant private security companies operating across the province. The decision marks a significant step toward overhauling the regulation of private security companies in Sindh.
The crackdown was announced following a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening oversight mechanisms for private security companies and ensuring they operate under strict legal and professional standards.
Review of Laws Governing Private Security Companies
During the meeting, it was decided that laws governing private security companies in Sindh would be reviewed. The home minister emphasized that existing legal frameworks must be updated to hold private security companies accountable for any operational, legal, or ethical lapses.
New Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will also be formulated to regulate private security companies more effectively. These SOPs will serve as a blueprint to guide the functioning of all private security companies in the province, ensuring transparency, competence, and compliance with legal norms.
Inspection Committee to Audit Private Security Companies
To support this crackdown, the home minister approved the formation of a dedicated inspection committee to conduct thorough audits of private security companies in Sindh. This committee will assess the operations, staff training, licensing, and overall compliance of private security companies. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations within 30 days.
According to a briefing by the additional chief secretary during the session, a total of 302 private security companies are currently registered in Sindh. However, many of these private security companies were found to be either inactive, untrained, or in violation of licensing regulations.
More Action Expected Against Faulty Private Security Companies
Officials have made it clear that further disciplinary action will follow against private security companies that continue to violate regulations or fail to meet operational standards. The government intends to weed out substandard private security companies to ensure public safety and restore trust in the sector.
The home department has reiterated its commitment to cleaning up the private security companies landscape, stressing that only professionally managed, legally compliant private security companies will be allowed to continue operating in Sindh.
