Islamabad has started installing thousands of Safe City cameras across key locations to boost security and enhance public safety. As part of a major upgrade, the Islamabad Safe City Project now aims to modernize the capital’s surveillance network more effectively.
According to the Ministry of Interior, authorities are deploying over 3,000 new cameras across entry points, roads, and sensitive zones. These units come equipped with facial recognition, number plate scanning, motion detection, and night vision technology. As a result, the city expects a significant improvement in monitoring and law enforcement response.
Moreover, police officials believe this new infrastructure will help curb street crime, detect traffic violations, and reduce emergency response time. The system allows law enforcement to monitor areas live and take immediate action when needed.
The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) is leading the project in collaboration with the Islamabad Police and the Ministry of IT. To support the expanded system, the command and control center has been upgraded. Now, the center can manage real-time alerts, analyze data, and coordinate with ground teams more efficiently.
In total, this surveillance expansion falls under a Rs. 1.8 billion project. The plan includes not only new installations but also the replacement of outdated cameras, deployment of AI-based analytics, and integration with NADRA and other national databases. Therefore, the upgraded system is expected to operate with much greater intelligence and accuracy.
A senior Islamabad Police official stated, “We want to build a safer city. These cameras will help us detect threats early and take swift action before any damage occurs.”
Currently, areas like Blue Area, D-Chowk, Faizabad, Rawal Dam, and airport roads are the main focus. In the next phase, authorities will extend coverage to residential sectors and suburban entry points.
Public response has been mostly positive. Many residents welcome the change, hoping it brings more safety, discipline on the roads, and better neighborhood protection. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the lack of data protection laws and the potential misuse of footage.
In response, the Ministry of Law is preparing a Data Protection Act, which may include clear provisions for video data use, privacy guidelines, and ethical surveillance rules. Once enacted, this legislation will likely boost public confidence in the system.
Read More: Tax Relief for Google Announced in Pakistan
In conclusion, Islamabad’s investment in modern Safe City cameras reflects a bold step toward smarter policing and citizen safety. If implemented effectively, this model could inspire similar projects in other Pakistani cities, leading to nationwide improvements in security.
With real-time surveillance, smart data analytics, and stronger law enforcement coordination, Islamabad is on its way to becoming a safer and more responsive capital city.
