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May 20, 2026 - Comments Off on AJK to Implement AI-Based Safe City Project

AJK to Implement AI-Based Safe City Project

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) plans to sign an MoU with the Punjab government to launch a Safe City project across three divisions. The initiative will deploy AI-based monitoring, facial recognition, and e-challan systems to modernize policing, traffic management, and crime detection. The project, supported by federal funding for a new Counter Terrorism Department, aims to improve emergency response through technology-driven infrastructure. IGP Liaqat Ali Malik emphasized that this integrated system prioritizes evidence-based policing and public security. AJK is also establishing an Elite Force and a dedicated Cyber Crime Force to bolster security and maintain civic order across the territory.

April 5, 2026 - Comments Off on FIA Introduces AI-Based System to Track Criminals in Real Time

FIA Introduces AI-Based System to Track Criminals in Real Time

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has developed an AI-based system to track criminals by generating updated visual representations of their appearance, even if they have altered their physical features. The upgraded system enhances the agency’s “red book” of most-wanted individuals, incorporating biometric details, digital records, and information on associates, financial data, and case histories. Officials say the tool will improve identification and make it harder for suspects to evade detection. The initiative is part of a broader push toward digital transformation within law enforcement, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and real-time monitoring, while also raising important questions around surveillance, data use, and privacy.

April 3, 2026 - Comments Off on Conflicting Statements in Parliament Raise Questions Over Internet Monitoring System

Conflicting Statements in Parliament Raise Questions Over Internet Monitoring System

Confusion emerged in Pakistan’s National Assembly after senior government officials presented contradictory statements regarding the control and oversight of a national web monitoring system and internet firewall. While the IT minister stated that the system is funded by private telecom operators with no involvement from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a parliamentary secretary later asserted that the PTA actively monitors content and has authority to block websites. The exchange raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and the role of private companies in national-level surveillance infrastructure. Lawmakers questioned how such systems operate without clear oversight, amid broader concerns about internet controls, freedom of expression, and the potential impact on digital rights in Pakistan. 

March 12, 2026 - Comments Off on Senators Raise Security Concerns Over Islamabad Safe City Surveillance System

Senators Raise Security Concerns Over Islamabad Safe City Surveillance System

Members of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concerns about the security of Islamabad’s Safe City surveillance system, questioning whether software used in the system could have links to Israeli technology companies. Lawmakers from PML-N and JUI-P warned that potential vulnerabilities in the surveillance infrastructure could expose sensitive information, including VVIP movements. Officials from the Safe City project assured the committee that the system is protected by multiple cybersecurity safeguards, including firewalls, secure data servers, and regular technical audits. The committee directed authorities to provide a detailed list of all software used in the surveillance system and requested further technical briefings to assess potential risks.

March 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Iran-Linked Hackers Accused of Breaching Israeli Security Cameras for Espionage

Iran-Linked Hackers Accused of Breaching Israeli Security Cameras for Espionage

Israel’s National Cyber Directorate warned that Iran-linked hackers have breached dozens of Israeli security cameras since the start of the Middle East conflict, potentially using the footage for espionage and operational intelligence. Authorities urged camera owners to update software and change passwords to prevent further security risks. Cybersecurity experts say hackers may be using compromised cameras to assess damage from attacks or monitor targeted locations and individuals. The incident reflects the growing role of cyber operations alongside conventional warfare, as Iran and Israel continue to engage in a long-running digital conflict that has intensified since the latest military escalation on February 28.

 

August 31, 2025 - Comments Off on CCTV surveillance amounts to workplace harassment – FOSPAH

CCTV surveillance amounts to workplace harassment – FOSPAH

Surveillance of employees through CCTV cameras has been declared as workplace harassment by the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH). This decision comes directly after a complaint was filed by a female employee at an institution in Rawalpindi, claiming that the CEO was subjecting her to "excessive surveillance and intimidation.” 

A detailed review of the evidence and incident found that the accused had engaged in unjustified and targeted monitoring of his employees, creating an unsafe, hostile work environment. Along with a penalty censure, the accused was also ordered to pay up to Rs.50,000 as compensatory damages to the victim. 

August 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Safe City Project installs surveillance cameras across Rawalpindi

Safe City Project installs surveillance cameras across Rawalpindi

Under the Safe City Project, the government has planned to install over 2,000 high-resolution security cameras in Rawalpindi across 359 locations. With claims made by the government about the usefulness of such cameras for monitoring traffic, public spaces and real-time incident reporting, the Safe City Project was started in Punjab to boost public safety. So far, 1,700 cameras have been installed in the city in market places, major road crossings and entry and exit points of Rawalpindi.

February 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Biometric Verification to Include Facial Recognition, Iris Scanning: PTA

Biometric Verification to Include Facial Recognition, Iris Scanning: PTA

Biometric verification in Pakistan will be expanded to include facial recognition and iris scanning technology, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, as part of the National Registration & Biometric Policy Framework (NRBPF). The Framework initiative also includes Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecoms (MoITT), cellular mobile operators, and the National Database and Registration Authory (NADRA), the latter being responsible for the collection and storage and management of biometric data.

December 20, 2024 - Comments Off on NADRA to roll out national facial biometrics in 2025”

NADRA to roll out national facial biometrics in 2025”

Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will be rolling out facial biometric verification via NADRA registration centres and the Pak-IK mobile app, starting from January 15, 2025. The initiative arose out of a consultative conference held by NADRA and other regulatory bodies, to discuss biometric and identity verification advances, and how Pakistan’s government can update its own systems. According to NADRA’s chairman, who spoke at the conference, incorporating newer technologies such as facial biometrics would aid the elderly and other groups that may have difficulty with the current system, whether due to faded fingerprinted or other issues.

Conference participants also discussed the potential of iris recognition as a prospective identity verification tool in the future, as well as the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework.