I HAVE read with interest your editorial “Security guards’ plight” (April 14). I compliment Dawn for raising this issue.

While some security companies have proper systems, many others do not have any formal procedures in place.

I agree that in most cases guards employed by security companies are not given proper training to meet an emergency situation. They are also forced to work long hours.

The government authorities concerned with security companies’ affairs should ensure that while giving a fresh licence, or renewing the one that the company has, a proper standard operating procedure is followed.

Guards should be adequately paid and should enjoy the benefit of insurance cover. If a guard dies, his family should have some source for their livelihood.

Insurance should be made mandatory and, besides cover for death, it should be extended to cover disablement arising out of their exposure.

Akber
Karachi