Non-intrusive imaging technology has in recent years produced an array of scanning equipment which governments all over the world have been deploying at border checkpoints, airports and harbours to detect terrorist activities as well as contraband cargo. This technology allows security and customs officers to perform a thorough examination of vehicles and cargo without resorting to the time-consuming process of manual searches. It is reassuring that we too appear to be moving in this direction.

The decision to procure and install a non-intrusive X-ray vehicle-inspection system has now been approved by the Planning Commission. Of the major manufacturers and suppliers of imaging systems — which include American and European companies — our government has opted for China which has already helped several other countries secure important facilities with this technology.

But instead of installing them at international entry and exit points, the government has decided to position the first two Chinese-manufactured scanners out of a batch of 20 at entry points in Islamabad to check vehicles for explosives or arms. Concerns have been voiced regarding the health effects on the general public — especially daily commuters between Rawalpindi and Islamabad — from frequent exposure to the radiation emitting from these machines.

Even if only ‘suspicious’ vehicles were made to pass through the scanners, there is concern that such devices at the city’s entry points can be more hazardous than if they were installed at international ports of entry or other border checkpoints. There the chances of the same vehicle being scanned are likely to be low and hence radiation exposure will be less of a health risk. So, like in other countries, it would be more appropriate if our newly acquired scanners were positioned at international or provincial borders to help detect the movement of potential attackers and smugglers.