Pakistan AI Surveillance System to Monitor Cities:
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched an advanced AI surveillance system in major urban centres, aiming to tighten security, reduce crime, and enhance city management. Officials say the high-tech network will integrate artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and real-time monitoring to track suspicious activity and respond faster to incidents.
According to sources in the Ministry of Interior, the system has initially been installed in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, with plans to expand to other provincial capitals within the next two years. The Pakistan AI Surveillance System is designed to link thousands of CCTV cameras to central command centres, where AI algorithms can detect unusual movement, identify wanted suspects, and alert law enforcement instantly.
Government representatives argue that the system will be a game changer for public safety. “AI surveillance can spot a potential threat before it becomes a crime. It will also help in locating missing persons, tracking stolen vehicles, and monitoring public gatherings for security risks,” an Interior Ministry official says.
However, the move has sparked intense debate. Privacy rights groups warn that without strict data protection laws, the technology could be misused. “AI-powered surveillance can easily cross the line into mass monitoring of citizens. If left unchecked, it could be used to track political opponents, journalists, or ordinary people without their consent,” said a representative from the Digital Rights Foundation.
Experts point out that similar systems in China and the Middle East have raised global concerns over civil liberties. Pakistan’s current legal framework does not clearly define how facial recognition data can be stored, shared, or deleted, raising fears about the potential for abuse.
The system is also expected to be linked with smart traffic management, enabling authorities to fine violators automatically and manage congested areas through AI-based decision-making. Supporters believe this will improve urban mobility and reduce police workload.
Yet critics stress that transparency and oversight are crucial. They call for independent audits, public awareness campaigns, and parliamentary debate before the system becomes fully operational nationwide.
The introduction of the Pakistan AI Surveillance System comes at a time of heightened security challenges and rapid urban growth. Whether it will emerge as a powerful tool for public safety or a controversial step towards a surveillance state remains to be seen.
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