RAWALPINDI:A two-person team from Japan has identified 31 spots wherefacial recognitioncameras can be installed at the Islamabad International Airport.

According to sources, the two experts, Makato Kataoka and Koji Uchimaya, have already visited the airport’s domestic departures and arrivals terminals along with Pakistani authorities to identify locations where the cameras to be installed. They visited international departures and arrivals on Tuesday.

Of the 31 spots identified during the second visit, 15 are in passenger boarding bridges, three are at entrance gates and the rest are around baggage holds and departures counters in domestic lounges.

According to a security official, experts will visit the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Jinnah International in Karachi after facial recognition cameras have been installed at IIA.

He said these cameras will be connected torecording devicestopreserve footage of people’s movement.

He said facial recognition software will allow police and security officials to match people’s faces and track them.

“Although CCTV cameras and explosive detectors have already been installed at the airport, the face reading cameras will help security staff get clear, accurate images of people,” a security official said, adding that this would help detect suspicious behaviour and alert the authorities.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2019