TAXILA: In a major step toward enhancing public safety and combating terrorism, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has launched the Safe City Project in Taxila with the installation of modern surveillance cameras aimed at enhancing security through face recognition technology.

According to official sources, the project includes 93 cameras placed at entry and exit points as well as strategic locations. These cameras will enable automatic e-challans for traffic violations and monitor the Air Quality Index. A Facial Recognition System will support tracking and identification of criminals and panic buttons have been installed at 10 locations throughout the city.

Sources said 10 panic buttons were also installed at the main points of the city besides 20 free wifi points to provide free internet access facility.

Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) incharge Hamza Saleem said 13 cameras had the facility of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) mostly installed at entry and exit points while four cameras have facility of facial recognition which are installed at key points of the city.

The control room will show real-time footage to support local law enforcement in reducing crime and improving public safety.

This nerve centre receives live feeds from CCTV cameras and coordinates responses to incidents, enabling real-time monitoring of traffic, crime and public safety.”

Mr Hamza said as the project also emphasises the importance of addressing environmental pollution, therefore, an environmental sensor had also been installed on GT Road at Taxila bypass near Margalla Hills.

“By integrating air quality monitoring and deploying environmental sensors, authorities can track pollution level in real-time. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, eradicating smog, safeguarding public health, and fostering sustainable urban spaces”, he added.

He said that the safe city officials have one drone facility which would be utilized at some important religious activity like Muharram procession or any other public rally, law and order situation etc.

Superintendent of Police Potohar circle Talha Wali said the Safe City Project is part of a region-wide initiative to increase safety by controlling crime and monitoring traffic. He said the deployment of advanced surveillance technology enables law enforcement to monitor activities in real-time, ensuring swift responses to any potential threats. He said the extensive network of CCTV cameras acts as the eyes and ears of law enforcement and the government, continuously monitoring different locations throughout the cities, including crime hotspots.

Incharge traffic DSP Nazakat Peerzada said the Safe City Project had implemented an AI-based e-challan system targeting 19 types of traffic violation. He said the project had already started issuing e-challans in the city.

Former MPA Haji Umer Farooq said the launching of the project in Taxila marks a pivotal moment in urban safety and good governance for Punjab. He said in an era marked by escalating urban challenges, including crime prevention, traffic congestion and environmental pollution, the Smart Safe City initiative in Punjab stood out as a beacon of hope.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2025