In the past week I saw two clips of robbries at two ATM’s of Bank Al-Falah at Karachi. Seeing the clips I became very dishearted and sad, got forced in to thinking what kind of a society we are living in. I am attaching the two videos in article so the readers can watch and better understand the situation I am trying to address.

I hope that after seeing the above two clips people will definatly understand the challenge that I am trying to point at. These people (robbers) are openly challenging the security agencies. And no matter if anyone agrees with me or not, but it is the responsibility of every nation to provide security to its citizens.

Now people reading this article will have the question, but what can be done. To be honest I myself do not know whats the best solution butI have a few suggestions and other security measures that can reduce this crime if not completelt eliminate it. The suggestions that I am proposing below have been divided in to two types, which are as follows:

• What we can do Personally
  • Never go to an ATM alone, specially at night time
  • Take one or two people with you that you trust, like relatives and friends.
  • Ask them to stand outside the ATM while you make the transactions inside.
  • Before going inside the ATM Facility, take a good look around to see any suspicious characters.
  • If you feel any kind of uncertainty avoid using the ATM
  • Avoid using ATM’s after 8 in the night, unless very urgent or important.
  • Always try to use an ATM that is in the hustle bustle of a market place
• What the Government can do
  • The Government can order banks to provide security outside every ATM.
  • If the security costs too much, then it can be for a limited period of time like from 8 am to 8 pm
  • Make a system using which the user can restrict any further transactions for that day and it cannot be overridden before the day is over
  • Give the right of shoot at sight to the security agencies for such criminals, this step will shake the confidence of such people.
  • As another measure, there can be bullet proof doors that can be locked from the inside of an ATM, so the user may locak them while performing the transaction and can unlock to leave he feels safe and certain.

I personally feel that the Government cannot do much more than this in the above situation. It is primarily up to us to take all possible security measures. But you are free to provide your comments, views and suggestions that may help in this regard. We can help compile a list of ATM’s that can be said safe.  Hope you like the effort. Looking forward to your suggestions and comments. Take good care of yourself and the people around you and may Allah protect us all from such robberies, Aameen.