Security firm under scrutiny over firing incident

LAHORE:

The Punjab Home Department has issued a Show Cause Notice to Onyx Security & Management Services (Pvt) Ltd, a private security firm after its security guards were found involved in an incident of firing on a civilian’s vehicle in Lahore’s Dharampura area.

The private security company has been given 30 days to justify why its licence should not be revoked in light of the serious violation.

The incident, captured on a viral video, occurred near the Beijing (Dharampura) underpass, where Onyx Security guards opened fire on a Honda City, driven by Imran, a local clothing trader.

In addition to firing at the vehicle, the guards physically assaulted him before attempting to flee. However, Imran managed to block their escape route with his car.

Following the attack, police registered an FIR (No. 710/25) at Mughalpura Police Station under Sections 148, 149 and 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

So far, four security guards have been arrested, and their firearms and vehicles have been seized.

Investigators are working to locate other suspects, including a police official allegedly linked to the incident.

The Punjab Home Department, in its Show Cause Notice, reminded the security firm that it was granted a license under the Punjab Private Security Companies (Regulation & Control) (Amendment) Act, 2004.

The company is obligated to ensure that its security personnel meet the required standards of fitness, professionalism, and conduct. However, the recent incident has raised grave concerns regarding the discipline and suitability of its employees.

As part of its disciplinary action, the Home Department has directed Onyx Security to submit a written explanation within 30 days. Failure to provide a satisfactory response will lead to ex-parte proceedings and potential revocation of the company’s operating license.

Additionally, the CEO of Onyx Security has been summoned for a personal hearing on March 17, at 11:30am before the Additional Secretary (Police) at the Home Department’s office.

To ensure compliance with the ongoing investigation, the company’s offices have been temporarily sealed.

The viral video circulating on social media clearly depicts Onyx Security guards firing directly at Imran’s car and later assaulting him. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a road rage incident when the security team overtook the victim’s vehicle.

Recalling the ordeal, Imran told the police: “They stopped me under the bridge and opened fire. A bullet hit my car’s bonnet, and just as a guard was about to shoot again, people started recording videos, forcing them to flee.”

The police arrested four security guards and confiscating their weapons and vehicles.

According to police sources, the security guards were hired by a pastor named Rufas Christie, who was hosting two American guests in Pakistan. The Americans were travelling in the same vehicle when the altercation with Imran occurred. The situation escalated into road rage, leading to the security team opening fire.

Furthermore, police sources confirmed that a police officer had also been assigned for the security of the American visitors, raising questions about the official role in the incident.

This alarming incident has sparked serious concerns about the accountability of private security companies operating in Punjab.

Authorities have emphasised the urgent need for stricter oversight to prevent such reckless actions in the future.