Arrest of suspects in three minutes through new security system

ISLAMABAD: A newly installed technology based security system under Islamabad Safe City Project worth Rs14 billion would enable the security apparatus to observe, identify and arrest any suspected person in the space of only three minutes anywhere in the capital city, the sources told ‘The News’ here on Monday.

“A total of 1,950 4G driven security cameras using 500-km of fiber optical cable have been installed on various locations of Islamabad. National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) would be able to provide complete online record of any suspect with the help of his/her image. The Rapid Response Force (RRF) would reach the targeted spot within three minutes to grab the suspected person,” the sources said.

The official record showed that the PPP-led government signed an agreement with the Chinese government in 2009 for provision of loan at two percent interest rate for Islamabad Safe City Project.

But the controversies started surrounding the project after which the Supreme Court ordered National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to probe the issue. The project got delayed and later no one gave any attention to it for next four years.

When the Nawaz-led government came into power it immediately approached the Chinese government and the project was resumed on the same terms and conditions agreed upon in 2009.

A senior official of the Interior Ministry who was not authorized to talk to media told this correspondent on condition of anonymity that Islamabad Safe City Project would enable the local authorities to get real-time information and respond in the shortest possible time.

“A bombproof Command and Control Centre measuring 2,000 square meters is being set up near Nescom Hospital that will perform its duties in line with state-of-the-art standard operating procedures. A contingent of 200 policemen is also being sent to China where it would get training on modern lines to become part of the security apparatus,” he said.

He said the Chinese company would monitor the project for one year after which it would be run by Nadra in coordination with the district management and intelligence agencies.

The official said the project would help develop an effective security mechanism by incorporating strategies and preventing unauthorized access to vehicles and individuals entering and operating in the capital city.

He said the use of smart ID cards, electronics RFID tags, Smart Vehicle Registration and Smart Driver License for authentication of vehicles and individuals is also part of the project.

This story was originally printed in The News and may be accessed here